Five unrelated Top End servo attacks over four days raise questions over staff safety

After five unrelated attacks over four days on Top End servos staff have shared concerns over their safety, with employees speaking out about the “shocking abuse” they suffer. Read the details.

Damage to one of the service station doors. Picture: Supplied

NT Police reported five unrelated attacks on Top End service stations over four days, drawing attention to the safety and wellbeing of the staff behind the counter.

Between December 27 and 30, three different servos were targeted, including one business that was attacked twice in the same day.

This masthead spoke to a number of staff members about these attacks.

They spoke on the condition of anonymity, as their companies forbid them from talking to the media.

Damage left after one of the alleged attacks. Picture: Supplied

“It’s horrendous,” one staff member said.

“The abuse is shocking.

“I lock the door between each customer — I’m all alone here and I’m fearful.”

Another staff member said day shifts were okay, but night time was when it became “dangerous”.

“We cannot do anything — it’s scary,” they said.

The Shell Reddy in Nightcliff was targeted on December 29. Picture: Supplied.

In one attack, four boys entered Nightcliff Shell Reddy and allegedly attempted to rob the business with a knife on December 29, according to NT Police.

The boys are then reported to have fled the scene after allegedly kicking a security guard on their way out.

At Katherine United South on December 27, NT Police allege five men caused $20,000 worth of damage in a smash and grab attack that also saw $15,000 in cash and cigarettes stolen.

Earlier that day at Katherine Liberty, four youths are alleged to have broken through a door and stolen cash and an attendant’s mobile phone, according to NT Police.

Katherine OTR was allegedly attacked twice in the same day.

On December 30, Katherine OTR was targeted twice in the same day, with one of the alleged attacks being a brazen daytime robbery occurring at 2.45pm.

This incident involved three youths reportedly threatening a 64-year-old female staff member with a knife, NT Police said.

“Katherine Police have seen an increased number of targeted service station robberies across the township over recent days,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Toby Wilson said.

“These robberies have involved offenders, mostly youth, entering the stations, threatening staff and stealing small items.”

Sergeant Toby Wilson said there had been an increase in the number of service stations targeted.

NT Police said some of the alleged offenders had since been arrested, yet questions remain about the servo staff’s safety.

The service stations involved were Katherine OTR, Katherine Liberty and Shell Reddy in Nightcliff.

Viva Energy, which operates OTR and Shell Reddy, declined to comment on questions raised by this masthead about staff safety.

Liberty did not respond.

An employee summed up the options they have to stay safe on the job.

“All we can do is run away and hide,” they said.