Key summary
- NPA survey shows rising shoplifting, abuse, and assaults in UK pharmacies, with 9 in 10 reporting theft
- Pharmacists urge stronger police action and NHS support, similar to GP security funding
- Theft of medicines poses serious public safety risks, prompting some pharmacies to add security measures
A new survey by National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has found that pharmacies are facing a surge in shoplifting cases and assaults on staff, and the trade body wants the police and the NHS to do more to ensure the safety of pharmacies and pharmacy teams.
The survey found that 9 out of 10 (88 per cent) pharmacies are facing increased risk of shoplifting in the last one year.
Around 87 per cent had seen an increase in aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards pharmacy teams, and 22 per cent had even seen physical assaults on staff during the same period.
The NPA had examined nearly 500 pharmacies for the survey, and condemned the abuse of hard-working pharmacy staff.
Around 73 per cent pharmacists are disappointed with the police response and NPA wants the police department to do more to deter the shoplifters.
Pharmacies have warned that the potential theft of medicines, including controlled drugs, could have serious consequences, as they may be being stolen for criminal gain.
They point out that some stolen medicines could be being mixed to make dangerous concoctions, and hence it is a more serious offence than common shoplifting.
Some pharmacies have reported to the NPA that they have taken additional steps to protect their teams, such as the introduction of body worn cameras and the employment of security staff.
The NPA, which represents over 6,000 independent pharmacies in the UK, wants the NHS to help protect pharmacies and their teams by providing a similar level of support that is offered to other parts of primary care, such as GP practices.
The NHS has provided funding to GP surgeries to make changes to improve security, such as to fit panic alarms and install CCTV.
Expressing concern over the findings, NPA chief executive Henry Gregg observed, "Due to their accessible nature, pharmacy teams can often be more exposed to abuse and threats than their primary care colleagues.“
Although pharmacies are taking their own steps to protect their staff and premises, the police should do much more to tackle crimes like shoplifting which is becomingly increasingly common place.”
Sanjeev Panesar, a pharmacy owner from Birmingham said he has noticed a rise in petty theft across his pharmacies.
“While some offenders attempt to steal discreetly, slipping items into pockets or bags when they think no one is watching, others are alarmingly brazen—filling bags openly and walking out without any concern for being caught. Sometimes, our team spots this behaviour directly; other times, it’s members of the public who alert us.”
He has installed CCTV in all his premises and the footage is regularly circulated within their pharmacy group to raise awareness among staff. “We also collaborate with neighbouring businesses to share information and keep an eye out for repeat offenders.”
Another pharmacy owner Ashley Cohen from Leeds said, “We have two pharmacies in East Leeds and within a few months of each other had attempted break ins through our back door over night after the pharmacies were closed.
“Both doors had security grills attached but the individuals tried to cut these out and then cut through the doors. It caused significant damage and needed new security doors and grills to be replaced.”
