Peter Jorna, a Halifax pharmacist, was recently robbed at knife point. Now, he fears that pharmacy robberies will happen again. It is true, pharmacy robberies are on the rise.
Besides Halifax, pharmacies in Hamilton, Ontario, and other Canadian cities have fallen victim to robberies. In light of this, Durham Regional Police has some useful advice to help pharmacists protect themselves and their stores if future robberies were to occur.
Recent media reports show that thieves are either looking for drugs or money. In the Hamilton robberies, for example, the thieves stole money, fentanyl patches as well as hydromorphone and oxycodone pills. Sergeant Bill Calder with Durham Regional Police advises that pharmacists should always comply with criminal demands.
“After a robbery occurs, pharmacists should provide local police with as much information on the suspect and items stolen as possible,” Calder says.
While prevention is always important, Calder says that: “There is no real way to prevent people from robbing your store, but ensure you have a protocol in place which details how to deal with the robbery as well as how to assist the police in their investigation after the fact.”
Preventative measures such as alarm systems and surveillance cameras can help deter criminals, but Calder says that these measures help police to do their jobs more quickly. Pharmacists, Calder advises, should secure known prescriptions and other drugs.
“[Also] Don’t ever hesitate to call the police if you suspect any suspicious behaviour in the store.”
