Drug Store and Pharmacy Security

If you operate a drug store or pharmacy, it’s absolutely crucial that you properly protect your property. After all, drug stores are very common targets for criminals. One major reason is prescription drugs. Not only do criminals want prescription drugs for themselves, but many pills and prescriptions are incredibly valuable on the black market.

Smash & Grab Robberies

Most break-ins are what are called “smash and grab robberies.” These crimes are exactly what they sound like: Criminals gain access to a property by smashing through a window or door, they quickly steal what they’re looking for and then exit the scene before anyone can react.

Smash and grab criminals count on committing their crimes very quickly. They want to be in and out of a property before the authorities can respond. Installing security gates prevents this from happening. Gates are a physical tool that stop criminals from gaining access to a location. Criminals know that, even if they can somehow get through the security gates, doing so will take a lot of time and effort. In this time, the criminal will likely be noticed and caught in the act.

Criminals would rather strike an easier target and will often avoid locations that have security gates installed.

Shoplifting

Another common crime that occurs in many drug stores and pharmacies is shoplifting. Drug stores and pharmacies are common targets for these types of crimes since they often stock items that, despite being quite small, are also very valuable. This includes medication, cough syrup, razor blades, baby formula and other such items. Shoplifters can easily slide these items into their bags or coats and leave the store with them.

Therefore, it’s important to secure these items. One excellent way to reduce shoplifting is to lock valuables behind gates or inside secure cabinets. Shoppers can then ask store staff for particular items as needed. This reduces shoplifting as criminals can’t physically access the items they hope to steal. Locking valuables behind secure gates also requires a person to speak to store staff, something that many potential shoplifters avoid doing since they don’t want to draw attention to themselves.

Staying Ahead of the Criminals

It’s important to remember that security isn’t a one-time thing. In order to keep your drug store or pharmacy secure, you’ll need to regularly review your security set-up and think about possible upgrades or improvements if necessary. Criminals are always looking for new ways to commit crimes, so it’s important that you always keep security in mind.

If you set up your security a few years ago, don’t assume that there isn’t anything you can do to make it more effective. Even if you haven’t suffered a loss since you installed your system, it’s still a good idea to review it regularly and look for weaknesses.

You have to think like a criminal. If you wanted to steal from your drug store or pharmacy, how would you do it? Remember that criminals have no respect for your property. They won’t hesitate to break windows, doors or displays if it helps them get what they’re looking for. If you discover any weaknesses, take steps to secure them.

Review your security and make necessary changes, you can significantly improve the security at your business and start 2016 off right.

If you need help selecting a gate, please feel free to contact a member of our team. We’ll be more than happy to help you out in any way we can.

DOWNLOAD our 10 Critical points for securing your business.