Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

POP Center Problems Robbery of Pharmacies Summary

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Appendix: Summary of Responses to Pharmacy Robbery

The tables below summarize the responses to pharmacy robbery, the mechanisms by which they are 
intended to work, the conditions under which they ought to work best, and some factors you should 
consider before implementing a particular response. It is critical that you tailor responses to local 
circumstances and that you can justify each response based on reliable analysis. In most cases, an 
effective strategy will involve implementing several different responses. Law enforcement responses 
alone are seldom effective in reducing or solving the problem.

Response No.

Response

How It Works

Works Best If…

Considerations

Increasing the Risk of Detection
1Informing pharmacy employees about robbery trendsHeightens pharmacy staff vigilance and preparedness so as to minimize harm in the event of a robbery…pharmacies provide routine training and updates to employees and communicate with policeInforming pharmacists alone will do little to prevent robberies but combined with other good security practices it could aid them in protecting themselves and any customers present and seeking assistance quickly
2Providing prevention guidance to pharmacy employeesImproves pharmacy staff compliance with robbery prevention policies and practices…training is conducted on a routine basis and is reinforced by posters, checklists, and other literature prominently posted in employee break areasPharmacy staff turnover can be high, underscoring the importance of including prevention guidance as a part of new staff orientation processes
3Managing risk factorsReduces vulnerability of pharmacy to robbery…pharmacy staff is educated about potential harms and what should be done specifically for each riskRisks vary for fraud, burglary, and robbery so there is a need to know each; risks also vary by pharmacy, depending on physical layout, staffing, etc.
4Installing a panic alarmIncreases probability of police apprehension…the alarm is easily accessible, not obvious , and goes directly to policePanic alarms will only deter robbers if they know generally that such alarms exist
5Using a video surveillance systemDeters potential robbers who are aware of the system; increases likelihood of identification and apprehension.…the cameras as well as signs announcing the cameras are noticeable.Pharmacy owners must be persuaded to install high-quality systems
6Tracking the stolen drugs/offenderIncrease likelihood of identification  and apprehension; may be a deterrent for those who are generally aware they may be tracked…all pharmacy staff are aware of and know how to use tracking methods, and police have the resources to respond quicklyTracking devices are primarily investigative tools, but may prevent robberies if offenders believe a pharmacy may be using these tools
7Using deterrent signageMay deter individuals who calculate risks relatively carefully…signs are placed in prominent locations both at the entrance of the pharmacy and near the pharmacy counterIn other crime prevention contexts these forms of deterrence alone have not had much of an impact on criminal behavior
Response No.ResponseHow It WorksWorks Best If...Considerations
Increasing the Effort Required to Commit Pharmacy Robbery
8Employing security measures  Measures will vary depending on store design (inside and out), staffing, and types of drugs that are dispensed
8aIncreasing pharmacy lightingIncreases  the risk of detection by police and identification by witnesses…lighting is positioned so as to not cast shadows; lighting is combined with a wide array of security measuresBrighter lights alone are unlikely to prevent pharmacy robberies
8bLocking up drugsIncreases the difficulty in gaining access to desired drugs…accessibility is limited and offenders believe that pharmacy staff cannot access drugsSome potential for violent reactions by offenders upon learning drugs are inaccessible; potentially higher costs for pharmacies and greater inconvenience for pharmacy staff in filling prescriptions
8cInstalling physical barriersDenies access to drugs; reduces likelihood that pharmacy staff will be coerced into turning over drugs…pharmacy staff know how to use barriers and barriers are properly maintainedHigher costs for pharmacies and some reduction in “personal touch” of customer service
8dEnsuring front windows are clearIncreases likelihood that police or witnesses will detect a robbery in progress, which might be a deterrent  …there is clear line of sight from outside the store to the pharmacy counterMay increase costs to pharmacy if remodeling is required; some potential loss of advertising opportunities
Response No.ResponseHow It WorksWorks Best If...Considerations
Decreasing Susceptibility to Robberies
9Limiting the drugs availableDenies the desired drugs, at least in large quantities…the fact that targeted drugs are restricted is prominently advertised through signage at the pharmacy entrancePharmacies may lose legitimate customers to pharmacies where these drugs are more readily available
10Limiting the drug information available via telephoneReduces the  ability to determine whether robbery is worth the risk…all pharmacy staff abide by not discussing drug availability with customersPharmacies may lose legitimate customers to pharmacies where it is easier for them to determine whether these drugs are available
Response No.ResponseHow It WorksWorks Best If...Considerations
Responses with Limited Effectiveness
11Conducting focused surveillance and enforcementIntended to increase likelihood of apprehension…a rash of robberies was concentrated at a few properties such that prospects of detection through surveillance were high, and there were few offenders in the community 
12Increasing penalties for pharmacy robberyIntended to deter through threat of harsh punishment…enhanced penalties are widely publicized and/or known offenders are notified, and potential offenders believe they will be apprehended and punishedMany studies of the deterrence value of enhanced penalties suggest they do not prevent crime, mainly because offenders do not believe their risk of apprehension is high

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