Time-delayed safes could help thwart narcotic robberies: Alberta College of Pharmacy
With drug store robberies becoming increasingly common in recent months, the Alberta College of Pharmacy is recommending narcotics be stored in time-delayed safes and staff be given panic alarms.
The recommendations are the result of a working group formed in April between RCMP, Calgary police, Edmonton police, the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) and the Alberta Pharmacists' Association (RxA).
"The increase in pharmacy robberies and the level of violence associated with these incidents are concerning," said ACP registrar Greg Eberhart.
"Since becoming aware of these trends, we have developed resources for pharmacy teams to help prevent robberies and report any activity to the college. We are also working with police to develop further strategies to ensure the safety and security of pharmacy teams and the public."
Most robberies see a suspect approach employees and either brandish a weapon or threaten that they have one while demanding cash and pharmaceuticals.
"Pharmacy robberies are a crime of opportunity and it is our hope that by implementing environmental and safety recommendations generated by this group, pharmacies across the province will see a decline in robberies and a safer work environment for staff," said Edmonton police Staff Sgt. Mark Hilton.
Recommendations provided by the working group include:
- Using time-delayed safes to store all narcotics;
- Providing pharmacy staff with panic alarms;
- Increasing the effectiveness of CCTV in pharmacies to deter offenders and aid in police investigations;
- Installing physical security measures such as remote locking doors, and;
- Minimizing the amount of cash and drugs readily available on-site.
"The significant increase in armed robberies at pharmacies presents a risk to drug security and the wellbeing of pharmacy team members and the public," said ACP president Peter Macek.
"ACP Council has observed that the potential for further robberies is not limited to one or two communities, it is a province-wide threat. Therefore, we have proposed amendments to the Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies to increase pharmacy security and safety."
Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld called the move "a crucial step in reducing and ideally eliminating this extremely dangerous crime."
Anyone with information about a pharmacy robbery in Alberta is asked to report it to their local police service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.