LANSING – A Michigan representative proposed a bill that would mandate convenience stores and gas stations open between 11 pm and 5 am to have at least two employees onsite during those hours or have working security cameras on the premises.

State Rep. Collene Lamonte sponsored the bill because of the abduction of Jessica Heeringa, who is believed to have been taken from a gas station about six months ago while working overnight alone. The gas station had no security cameras.

“As the police have talked to me about this, they are really missing having that kind of information to be able to follow up on leads, to go after certain vehicle descriptions or the description of a person that may have been involved,” said Lamonte.

Lamonte believes her proposal would stop crime and catch criminals. “We’re looking out for worker safety and protection. We want to make sure that people that are out there working hard, working the third shift at night, late at night, that they have some sense of security and protections in place.” 

The Michigan Petroleum Association and the Michigan Association of Convenience Stores is looking at the measure. President Mark Griffin pointed out that retailers go to great lengths to make sure their employees and customers are as safe as possible now, and government mandates may not be the answer. Griffin added that studies have shown that having two workers and/or cameras are not necessarily an effective crime deterrent.

A 1999 NACS Crime Report found that there is no statistically significant effect on robbery rate reduction for stores that have one clerk versus two clerks working in the store.