Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Picture posed by models Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
Shoplifting

What's most likely to be stolen from Irish pharmacies? Fake tan

A survey by the Irish Pharmacy Union has found ‘shocking’ levels of crime in pharmacies, with cosmetics and fake tan topping the list for the items most likely to be stolen.

A SURVEY OF pharmacists has found ‘shocking’ levels of crime with almost three quarters of pharmacies reporting that they were the victims of crime in the past year.

The survey by the Irish Pharmacy Union also found that fake tan and cosmetics were the items most likely to be stolen from pharmacies.

Shoplifting accounted for the vast majority of pharmacy crimes followed by robberies. One in four of the latter involved the use of a weapon.

A total of 71 per cent of pharmacists who responded to the survey said they had been the victims of crime over the past year with 84 per cent reporting more than one criminal incident. Most pharmacists reported the crime to the Gardaí but a significant minority were unhappy with the response they received.

The Irish Pharmacy Union has called for more Gardaí on the streets and punitive sentencing to deter criminals.

“These shocking levels of crime being experienced by pharmacists show that too many criminals feel there is nothing to stop them,” said Rory O’Donnell, the president of the IPU.

He said that there was a perception that crimes against business are ‘victimless’ crimes and are thus not treated as seriously as they should be.

“The safety of pharmacists, staff and customers is being put at risk by criminals and this cannot be tolerated,” said O’Donnell. “Crime also damages businesses, threatens jobs and negatively impacts on staff morale. These hidden costs can have a far bigger impact on the pharmacy business than the direct costs of damage and loss.”

Read: Pharmacists say increased prescription charges may lead to people being hospitalised >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
54
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.