Fill ’er up? Gas station uses valets to deal with crime fears

A gas valet attendant washes a customer's window at a station in the new city of South Fulton.

A metro Atlanta gas station is going retro in an effort to quell customer fears of theft and carjackings.

A Shell station in the new city of South Fulton is offering a gas-valet service, Channel 2 Action News reported.

“They pump your gas. They go get your receipt,” customer Sarah Cainion said. “They come and clean your windows for you and everything.”

It means customers don’t have to get out of their cars. In an area where thieves “slide” into cars to steal the vehicle or items inside while people pump gas, it’s important for business.

It’s also reminiscent of the days of full-service gas stations.

A manager at the station on Cascade Road near I-285 recently had an increase in such incidents, Channel 2 reported. So he brought in the full-service feature.

The valets say the service is working well with customers.

“They're happy that we're out here doing a service for them,” one said, “so it can keep them protected and safe.”

The routine is easy, Cainion said.

“Tell them how much gas to put in,” she said, “and after they put the gas in, they get the receipt and they tell you have a great day.”

Yes, there’s an app for all that. You can prepay for your gas and have an attendant waiting.

The service is free now, but soon there will be a $2 fee.

“Yep, I feel safe,” Cainion said, “because ... you don't have to get out of your car.”

MORE: Atlanta crime news