The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7185 p197-203
16 February 2002

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Spate of cash raids on community pharmacies hit south London

Pharmacies around Croydon, south London, have been subjected to a spate of robberies in recent weeks.

Andrew McCoig, Croydon Local Pharmaceutical Committee secretary, said that he was aware of seven such attacks.

The robbers normally strike between 5pm and 6pm and steal only money on each occasion. Recently, a locum pharmacist was beaten around the head during a robbery, and a female customer has been threatened. Mr McCoig said that three of the thieves go into the pharmacy while a fourth stands guard outside. They then force staff to hand over the days takings and the security videotape and leave.

"They see us as a soft touch," Mr McCoig said.

He explained that pharmacies did not have sufficient staff for good security because there was not enough money in the business and, unlike National Health Service premises, there was no Government funding for security measures.