FUNDING
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KeePING YOUR PHARMACY sAFe A
safe and secure physical environment is the first line of defence in pharmacy security.
Basic security systems in pharmacies that guard against physical loss of controlled substances and prevent theft by employees include safes and locked cabinets, camera systems and alarms.
Have a panic button In the event of a robbery, pharmacists and staff should remain calm and comply with the robber’s demands when confronted. Pharmacists and staff may be able to discreetly push a duress alarm/panic button while gathering any medication/cash the robber has requested.
Install CCTV cameras Visible, eye-level Bs eN 50132 compliant CCTV cameras, as opposed to those mounted above head-height can help obtain a better picture of the robber’s face and act as a visual deterrent to would-be thieves.
Set height markers Install height markers at the doors of your store and the pharmacy counter. Not only can they help you to provide police with a height estimate if a robbery does take place, but they can also act as a visual deterrent to potential thieves.
Rule setting
No hoods = no service. Implement a store policy regarding headwear which could potentially disguise a person’s appearance and install signage supporting this policy. stores with security guards should ensure this rule is enforced or front of store staff should ask customers to remove these items.
Get help from the police Pharmacists can contact their local crime prevention on telephone number 101 to request a security assessment at their store. Pharmacists may benefit from establishing contact with their local police officer and invite them to stop by the pharmacy from time to time.
Lock up drugs at night and ensure there is adequate lighting Drugs should be locked up at night in a safe or held in reinforced security cabinets/rooms and adequate security lighting should be installed to deter burglars.
Protect your windows and doors Approximately half of pharmacy break-ins involve the perpetrator entering through the front of the store. Physical security features
for windows, doors and roller shutters complaint to LPs 1175 security standard may make it harder for a burglar to enter into the pharmacy.
Have a good alarm system ensure a Bs eN 50131 compliant alarm system has been installed. The system should cover all areas of the store in some cases, to prevent entry to the store via the ceiling or through other empty premises surrounding the pharmacy. Vibration sensors may help determine whether a robber is coming in from above or through a wall.
Greet your customers A simple greeting of customers as they enter the pharmacy could discourage a potential criminal. showing them attention could scare off as they are hoping to go undetected.
If a robbery does take place, additional things to consider:-
1. Cooperate fully. As previously mentioned, resist the urge to be a hero. A few stolen drugs aren’t worth your life, that of a fellow employee or customer.
3. If a weapon is used, note the type and colour. If a note is used to make robbery demands, keep it for police.
4. stay as calm as possible. Reassure the robber that you will not resist and will comply with demands.
5. If possible, note the direction of escape, any vehicle description and registration number for police. If the robber escapes on foot, note the direction and initial route of travel - but do not follow them. Check your employer policy and challenge alternative directives.
6. Lock the building down after the event – do not let anyone else leave or enter and call police on 999.
7. Preserve any evidence – do not touch anything the robber may have touched / come into contact with.
8. Wait for police and cooperate fully. PHARMACY IN FOCUs - 61
2. Be a good witness. Watch the robber and what they touch, come into contact with or move. Is there an accomplice? After they leave and it is safe, quickly and independently note on paper the description of the robbery suspect(s) and the incident for the police.
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