Rise in crime leads Fargo ND gas stations to hire private security
WEST FARGO, N.D. May 6 2024 Area Petro-Serve USA locations are at risk of closing.
That’s according to officials with the West Fargo-based company Friday morning.
CEO Kent Satrang said the concern stems from unexpected spending. Satrang said the company hired private security at three Fargo stores last year due to a rise in crime.
The company made the move after an employee was hurt at one location, trying to break up a fight. At another location, Satrang said employees had to call 911 at least three times in one year for overdose incidents.
Private security was hired at the 13th Ave. S. location, as well as the I-94 and downtown Fargo locations.
Satrang said the downtown location is of most concern, but that the security has helped.
However, it costs about $100,000 a year for around the clock private security at each of the three locations.
Satrang said that’s not sustainable and that they may end up having to close one of the stores, likely the 13th Ave. S. location.
Satrang said the company asked the Mayor and Fargo Police for an increased officer presence, but it didn’t make much of a difference.
