Unfortunately it is coming to that, but to be honest I usually skip those places and perfer the normal pay places. Still about 80% of places are not prepay around here. Economically if you have 20% of the people like me that will pick and choose to go only to non-prepay places, then small business gas stations will often opt to the most economic feasible alternative.
Perhaps one day walmarts will have products behind glass view displays. Prepay only to stop shoplifting. Effective, but is it economicalable feasible in a real world environment. Perhaps stealing should not be judged on dollar amounts, if the perves had robbed a bank, people would be cheering this fellow IMHO. Just my two cents.
"...I usually skip those [prepay] places and prefer the normal pay places..."
Prepay is easy. What is the reason for your preference? Just select "fill" on the pump and put in as much (or as little) gasoline as you want. I do this all the time with my motorcycle...even though it will only accept about $10.00 if it is completely empty.
The proprietor should have thought of a better solution than shooting at people over an unpaid bill. If I was on the jury he wouldn't get convicted because I'm sure those kids have been dirtbag thieves for years...but he might not get so lucky with his jury.
~ Blue Jays ~