About nine in 10 Pharmacies have experienced ShopliftingWith an increase in aggressive behavior to the public in the previous year, a new survey revealed.
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) of 476 pharmacies in England found that 88 percent of pharmacies have experienced an increase in shopkeeping incidents in the previous year.
Some 87 percent also reported an increase in aggressive or intimidated behavior towards the pharmacy teams, while 22 percent said they had seen physical attacks on employees.
About three-fourths (73 percent) of those who reported these examples to the police said they felt that the response was inadequate.
The NPA, which represents more than 6,000 independent community pharmacies, described the conclusions as “unacceptable”.
Henry Greg, Chief Executive Officer of NPA said: “These conclusions are concluding and showing that pharmacies are seeing a significant increase in shopkeeping and other criminal behavior.
“This is especially to hear about the danger towards pharmacy employees along with reports of physical attacks, which is completely unacceptable.”
Experts warned that the theft of drugs like strong pain relievers or drugs that slow down the way the body and brain function can “have serious consequences for one’s health”.
However, Sanjeev Panesar, owner of a pharmacy in Birmingham, said that in the last 12 to 18 months, there has been a “noticeable increase” in petty theft on its sites, with some people also with stock filling bags with stock and opening bags.
He also said that his staff can “tolerate orally abuse Or physical threats, no one should be part of their role ”.
“These are healthcare professionals, to serve their communities and take care of patients,” said Mr. Panesar.
“Facing such enmity is not only disappointing, but also has a permanent impact on the feelings of job satisfaction, morale and security at work.”
In the past, Mr. Panesar has brought them to security guards and even chased criminals on several occasions.
He said: “It is incredibly disappointing to our teams to deal with this reality, despite all the preventive measures we applied.
“Instead of focusing on protecting our campus from theft, we should develop innovative services in developing our time and energy, supporting patient care and improving community health.”
Mr. Greg said: “Due to their accessible nature, pharmacy teams can often be more exposed to misuse and hazards than their primary care colleagues.
“Although pharmacies are taking their steps to protect their employees and campus, the police should do a lot to deal with crimes such as shopkeepers, which are becoming increasingly common.
“The theft of the drug from a pharmacy, such as strong pain relief or benzodiazepine, can have serious consequences for one’s health.
“We need to offer more support to other pharmacies along with more to do more to deal with shoplifting NHS Criminals in primary care to protect their employees and their premises. ,
A Government The spokesperson said: “In recent years, the increase in theft of shops across the country is unacceptable.
“This government is removing effective immunity that applies to the theft involving valuable items currently under £ 200, and in this summer, more than 500 city center is receiving additional neighborhood patrolling to strengthen the shop theft and action against the crimes.
“We have a zero-sensitivity approach to violence or Harassment Directed by NHS Staff and Community Pharmacists. This is the reason why we are putting in -laws to protect the shop workers from violence and accepted the recommendations of the Social Partnership Forum to deal with and reduce violence against NHS employees. ,