INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Labor wants to replicate New Mexico€™s success in lowering robberies, assaults, murders and other crimes at convenience stores by launching a major campaign to push retailers to adopt more stringent security measures, the Pharos-Tribune reports.

A decade ago, New Mexico introduced many changes in security for convenience stores open late at night, which resulted in the number of robberies plummeting 92%, and other crimes dropping significantly.

The Indiana Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (IPCA) has been working with the state on developing the initiative, which includes suggestions for improving parking lot lighting to enclosing clerks behind bulletproof glass. Right now, these measures will be voluntary, but legislators warned that failure to compile might trigger mandatory regulations.

The convenience store industry needs to nurture a "culture of safety," said Lori Torres, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Labor. "No one should have to risk being killed at work."

The working group comprised of convenience-store safety managers, state labor department workers and law enforcement officers will release a report in a few weeks that outlines best-practice measure that work.

Scot Imus, executive director of IPCA, said research backs what security measures work for convenience stores, such as bright lighting inside and outside, windows clear of ad signs, and slotted safes for cash. Imus isn€™t sure that two clerks on duty during overnight or late night hours, like New Mexico mandates, is necessary for every store. "There is no 'one size fits all,€™" he said.