Pharmacy Staff Face Rising Threats of Shoplifting and Abuse in England

Strategic Insights -

Pharmacies in England are reporting a stark increase in shoplifting, aggressive behavior, and physical assaults against staff, with almost 9 in 10 experiencing shoplifting incidents in the last year. A survey of 476 pharmacies found that 88% had seen a surge in shoplifting, while 87% reported an increase in intimidating behavior towards pharmacy teams. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) warned that stolen medications, such as strong painkillers, could have serious consequences for patients' health.

Key Takeaways:

  • 88% of pharmacies in England reported a surge in shoplifting incidents in the last year, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) survey.
  • 87% of pharmacies also reported an increase in aggressive or intimidating behavior towards pharmacy teams.
  • 22% of pharmacies reported witnessing physical assaults on staff.
  • 73% of pharmacies that reported incidents to the police felt that the response was insufficient.
  • Pharmacy owner Sanjeev Panesar reported a "noticeable rise" in petty theft across his sites in the past 12-18 months.
  • Panesar mentioned that staff can endure verbal abuse or physical intimidation, which has a lasting effect on job satisfaction, morale, and feelings of safety at work.
  • NPA chief executive Henry Gregg stated that pharmacies are exposed to abuse and threats more than primary care colleagues due to their accessible nature.
  • Gregg emphasized the need for police to do more to tackle shoplifting and other crimes in pharmacies.

Statistics:

  • 88% of pharmacies in England reported a surge in shoplifting incidents in the last year.
  • 87% of pharmacies reported an increase in aggressive or intimidating behavior towards pharmacy teams.
  • 22% of pharmacies reported witnessing physical assaults on staff.
  • 73% of pharmacies that reported incidents to the police felt that the response was insufficient.
  • 487 pharmacies in England participated in the National Pharmacy Association survey.

Sources:

  • National Pharmacy Association survey of 476 pharmacies in England
  • BBC News article featuring an interview with Sanjeev Panesar, pharmacy owner
  • The Guardian article quoting Henry Gregg, National Pharmacy Association chief executive