Business Safety
Pharmacy Robbery Prevention Tips
- Install an alarm system and test it often.
- Install video cameras.
- Leave some lights on after closing.
- Insure there is adequate outside lighting.
- Train your employees.
- Change locks, alarm codes and safe combinations when an employee leaves.
- Have at least two employees open/close the store.
- Install hold-up/duress alarm buttons.
- Keep a minimum amount of controlled substances stocked.
- Keep the counter area uncluttered.
- Stay alert to your surroundings.
- Watch for people hanging around & not buying anything.
- Beware of suspicious activity outside you business.
- Post signs near the pharmacy counters stating “limited quantity of prescription drugs at location”.
- Call the police if you see something suspicious.
What to do when Robbed ?
- Cooperate & remain calm.
- If you can safely do so, activate the alarm ASAP
Or call 911 immediately!
- Comply with robbers demands.
- Don’t talk except to answer questions.
- Don’t stare directly at the robbers.
- Don’t make sudden movements.
- Make mental notes of the robber’s physical description (speech, clothing, height, weight, teeth, age, weapon, facial hair, glasses, shoes, skin colour, tattoos, and jewelry).
- Do not touch anything.
- Do not chase the robber whatsoever.
- Does the front store staff know of the robbery? How? Are they safe?
- Once the robber leaves, lock the door to the outside and flip over the closed sign.
- Try and see the last known direction of travel (N,S,E,W) of the robber. Where did he/she go ? Vehicle? Taxi? License Plate? Ran/Walked?
- Keep witnesses on site for police: try and gather full names, date of birth, address, phone numbers.