Fewer pharmacy robberies in Indy but problem has moved to ‘soft targets’
INDIANAPOLIS — The record number of pharmacy robberies in Indianapolis is dropping, but the problem may be moving elsewhere.
154 robberies were reported at pharmacies in Indianapolis in the first five months of 2015.
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Only 12 were reported In the last quarter of the year.
Police credit the dramatic decline to the arrest of 40 people who investigators say were responsible for more than 100 robberies.
“We started aggressively working with our federal partners, making good arrests. And at that time, CVS and Walgreens were targeted exclusively. So we formed some great partnerships with them,” said Lt. Craig McCart, Metro Police Robbery.
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The city continues to see a decline in robberies. Just ten in the first 38 days of 2016, compared to 18 during the same time period in 2015.
But investigators say robbers have shifted tactics and are going after pharmacies in large grocery chains and retail stores.
One reason for the shift to the so-called softer targets is that CVS and Walgreens are now hiring off-duty IMPD officers for security.
“We’re ready to get ahead of the new trend and we’ll work closely with all these chains as well, the Krogers, the Marshes and the Meijers and do the same things we did before,” said McCart.
Filed under: General Problems
http://www.vcstar.com/topstories/Armed-robbery-assault-at-CVS-in-Ventura-368610881.html
CVS spokesman says they are implementing new security measures tonight. That is surely a great comfort to the 2 women terrorized by these thugs.
The only problem with bullet proof glass, sliding drawers and consulting telephones is that the employees and delivery people have to enter and exit the pharmacy sometime. That sets up for an ambush. Another pharmacist that I worked with many years ago was working in a small outpatient surgery center pharmacy before I met him. The McKesson delivery guy rang the bell to the rear delivery door. My colleague looked through the peep hole and it was the delivery guy. What he could not see was the individual with the sawed off 12 gauge shotgun hiding behind the delivery guy. As soon as he opened the door, Mr. 12 gauge stepped from behind the terrified delivery guy and stuck the muzzle of the shot gun in the face of my pharmacist co-worker. The robber got away with a respectable amount of cocaine, (the center did a large number of ENT surgeries) as that is what he demanded. Most robbery perps are cowards. They will avoid a target that can fight back and will opt for an easier mark. Armed personnel on the premises are a better solution.
Duh! Eliminate the back door! Fully enclose the pharmacy to include restroom and lunch room. Access to employees only through double doors in full view of CCTV. If you really want security, post an armed guard at the double doors just like the banks in some countries. Institute dress rules like some shopping malls. No hoodies or sunglasses or ski masks permitted in the store. You can include other face coverings at the risk of being called racist.
Why not put the pharmacies behind bullet proof glass with access only through sliding drawers. Just like the banks used to be. Counselling can take place with telephones just like in jails.