QuikTrip tested a security employee in Wichita; now will add similar Tulsa employees

Tulsa-based QuikTrip has been testing a new security plan in Wichita that it’s now getting ready to implement in its own backyard.

The company has been testing a security employee at its store near Kellogg and Broadway in Wichita.

“It’s really an extension of what we’re already doing,” spokesman Mike Thornbrugh says.

QuikTrip generally hires outside security companies and off-duty law enforcement officials to help protect its stores.

The in-house security employee is someone who is a QuikTrip employee but also has the background and licensing to provide security.

“QuikTrip likes to do everything we can internally,” Thornbrugh says.

With the addition of this employee, he says that petty crimes, such as theft, loitering and panhandling “have just plummeted, so it’s working.”

“Obviously, our employees know about it, and they like it,” Thornbrugh says. “Customers like it, too.”

He says only certain stores will need security employees.

“We’re getting ready to implement it in Tulsa at a couple of locations,” Thornbrugh says.

The employees likely will be added at other QuikTrips in more states later.