'It is deeply concerning'

Pharmacies across the country were left more vulnerable to crime as the result of lockdowns, a new study by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has revealed.

There was a concerning increase in the levels of violence being encountered by pharmacy staff, a new study has found.

Released on Monday, the 2021 Pharmacy Crime Survey, has shown that 65 per cent of all pharmacies were victims of crime over the past 12 months and that this is down slightly from 72 per cent in the previous year.

14 per cent of pharmacies were also the victim of a raid and 15 per cent have had controlled drugs taken while 64 per cent of pharmacists believed that remaining open during the lockdown made their business more vulnerable.

Commenting on the findings Dermot Twomey, President of the IPU said: “It is deeply concerning that pharmacies, which provide an essential healthcare service to their communities, are being targeted in this way. At a time when crime rates nationally fell significantly, burglaries alone have fallen by 35 per cent, it is concerning that pharmacies only saw a very slight drop in overall crime rates.”

Shoplifting remains the most common offence, impacting 87 per cent of pharmacies which reported experiencing crime.

However, according to Mr Twomey the increase in violence is deeply concerning. “The number of pharmacists experiencing violence increased dramatically over the past year. 40 per cent of crime victims suffered at least one violent incident, up over a third in just one year. The use of weapons is very common and too many pharmacy workers have encountered knives and even guns.

“The theft of cosmetics (84 per cent), fake tan (48 per cent) and supplements (33 per cent) is all too common,” said Mr Twomey.

He added: “While this is upsetting and costly there is a more sinister problem emerging with the theft of medicines. Of pharmacies who have experienced crime, eight per cent suffered the theft of prescription medicines and 15 per cent had controlled drugs stolen. These medications are controlled for a reason and, if taken without appropriate clinical guidance, they are potentially extremely dangerous.”

Citing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on crime in pharmacies Mr Twomey said: “There is a definite feeling that pharmacies suffered as a result of their dedication in staying open through each lockdown.

“64 per cent felt this made pharmacies more vulnerable as a result of being one of the few businesses remaining open, combined with there being fewer people on the streets, and a lack of garda presence.”

He concluded: “In the vast majority of cases pharmacies welcome the support they receive from the gardaí. It is clear that providing the gardaí with the resources to increase visibility within our communities would have a beneficial effect, reducing crime rates not just in pharmacies but throughout the community.”