Source: BroBible
Summary
A Florida woman recorded herself at a Circle K gas station where a robbery was taking place. She remained outside, unable to enter the store, but continued pumping gas. According to C-Store Dive, convenience stores and gas stations accounted for over 37,000 violent offenses in 2021. The article lists common robbery targets, including supermarkets, liquor stores, and jewelry shops. The woman’s video, which received over 11,000 views, highlights the unusual situation. Comments suggested the location was known for frequent incidents.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
People still pump gas while stores get robbed.
Robberies are routine, not emergencies.
Florida gas stations have their own vibe.
Only in Florida, but only if you’re not inside.
Author: Evan Null
Florida Man, Florida Woman, and Now Florida Gas Station
There’s Florida Man, Florida Woman, and now Florida Gas Station. The story of a woman who couldn’t enter a Circle K during a robbery but still got gas is the latest in a long line of Florida oddities. The incident, recorded by content creator Ayla, highlights the bizarre nature of the state’s news cycle. While the woman stayed outside, the gas pumps were still operational, allowing her to continue her routine.
The article notes that convenience stores and gas stations are common robbery targets. In 2021, they accounted for over 37,000 violent offenses reported to the FBI. The setup of these businesses—small, lightly staffed, and open late—makes them vulnerable. Despite this, customers like Ayla continue to use the services, even during ongoing crimes.
The video, which received over 11,000 views, shows the strange normalcy of the situation. Ayla explained that she couldn’t go inside because of a robbery, but she still got gas. The caption read, “Only in Florida,” a phrase that has become synonymous with the state’s unusual events.
Viewers commented on the specific Circle K location, with some saying they avoid it due to past incidents. One user mentioned a stabbing that occurred there years ago, while another said the location always had something going on. These comments reinforce the idea that the gas station has a reputation for trouble.
The article also lists other common robbery targets, such as supermarkets, liquor stores, and jewelry shops. It suggests ways to stay safe during a robbery, including remaining calm and avoiding resistance. While the woman in the video followed these guidelines, the situation itself remains a strange example of everyday life in Florida.
Why Are Gas Stations Common Robbery Targets?
Convenience stores and gas stations are built to get customers in and out quickly. Unfortunately, that setup can also work in a robber’s favor, according to C-Store Dive. In 2021, gas stations and convenience stores accounted for a combined 37,561 violent offenses reported to the FBI. That represented more than 5% of all violent crimes reported in the U.S. that year. From 2011 through 2021, the two types of businesses logged more than 202,000 violent offenses.
There are a few reasons for that. Convenience stores tend to be small and lightly staffed, making them easy to enter and leave quickly. They also often stay open late, handle cash, and sit beside major roads that can provide a fast escape. Large parking lots and a constant flow of customers can also make suspicious activity less conspicuous.
Shoplifting and armed robbery are among the most common crimes convenience stores face. Better exterior lighting, unobstructed windows, visible cameras, and signs advertising drop safes can make a store less appealing to criminals. Circle K has said it uses cameras across its properties to monitor theft, property damage, and credit card fraud at its pumps.
Here are a few other businesses that are common targets for robberies according to Galaxy Protection:
- Supermarkets: They’re large, which can make them hard to monitor, and have a lot of merchandise and cash changing hands.
- Liquor stores: Usually have few workers and use cash registers. The alcohol itself is also a frequent target.
- Jewelry stores: Small, high-value products that can be resold.
What Should You Do During A Robbery?
If you’re being robbed, here’s what you should do according to the University of Southern California Department of Public Safety:
- Remain calm and do not resist. Cooperate and avoid any sudden or unexpected movements.
- Follow the robber’s directions. Do not argue or volunteer more than the person requests. If you need to move or reach into a pocket, explain what you are about to do first.
- Remember identifying details. Take mental notes about the robber’s appearance, clothing, distinctive features, weapons, and vehicle.
- Get somewhere safe before reporting the crime. Call 911 once you are secure. If you remain at the scene, avoid touching possible evidence and ask other witnesses to wait for police if they can safely do so.
The article provides practical advice for those caught in a robbery, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and cooperating. It also highlights the need to remember details that could help law enforcement. The advice is straightforward, focusing on survival rather than confrontation.
While the woman in the video followed these guidelines, the situation itself was unusual. She remained outside the store during a robbery but still managed to get gas. This highlights the strange normalcy of the situation and the resilience of everyday people in the face of crime.
The advice given in the article is standard for most robbery scenarios. It emphasizes the importance of not resisting and avoiding any actions that could escalate the situation. The focus is on staying safe and providing information to authorities after the fact.
Despite the risks, people continue to use gas stations and convenience stores, even during incidents. This suggests that the convenience of these places outweighs the potential dangers for many customers. It also reflects the broader trend of normalizing crime as part of daily life in certain areas.
‘I Avoid That Circle K’
Viewers were familiar with the particular Circle K Ayla was at. “That’s why I avoid that Circle K. The one on Orange and Monroe is safer than that one,” a top comment read. “My husband saw someone get stabbed there a few years ago,” a person said. “Yea Parkway Circle K always got some going on it never fails,” another wrote.
The comments suggest that the specific Circle K location has a reputation for trouble. Some users expressed concern about the safety of the area, while others shared personal experiences of violence. These comments reinforce the idea that the gas station is known for frequent incidents, making it a place to avoid.
The article notes that the woman reached out to the store and the company, but no response was provided. This highlights the challenges of getting information from businesses in the wake of a crime. It also raises questions about the responsibility of companies to address safety concerns in their locations.
The video, which received over 11,000 views, has sparked discussion about the safety of the area and the normalcy of such incidents. It also reflects the broader trend of people documenting and sharing unusual events, often for entertainment or awareness. The response to the video shows how these stories resonate with audiences, particularly those familiar with the location.
Overall, the incident at the Circle K highlights the intersection of everyday life and crime. It shows how people continue to use services even during ongoing incidents, and how communities respond to such events. The comments from viewers further illustrate the impact of these stories on public perception and behavior.
