Pharmacists in Smoking Cessation

n 75% of respondents are aware of the services of the Garda
Crime Prevention Officers with 80% using these services.
n 90% reported that more visible policing would be effective
in reducing crimes, 89% identified CCTV Surveillance, 87%
tougher sentencing and 86% viewed a faster Garda response
as the most effective way of deterring criminals.
The findings from the
survey were described by IPU
President Daragh Connolly
as “shocking” and he was
particularly concerned at
the level of violent crimes
against pharmacy staff, which
he described as “extremely
worrying and utterly
unacceptable”.
“Almost one in four cases
against pharmacies are
‘violent’ in nature, involving
not only a physical threat
but also a substantial
psychological threat to
victims. It is difficult enough
to run a pharmacy in
the current environment
without being the target for
criminal activity that not
only has a significant cost
factor but, more importantly,
has a detrimental impact
on pharmacy staff. It is
unacceptable that pharmacy
owners and their staff are
viewed as ‘soft targets’ where
the probability of repeat
offences is high and the risk of
apprehension and penalty is
low,” he said.
A number of respondents
to the survey had serious
reservations with regard to the
ability of the justice system
to identify and adequately
convict perpetrators of
crime. There is particular
annoyance at the judicial
system, primarily due to the
leniency in sentences and the
feeling that perpetrators are
not adequately punished as
a deterrent to prevent them
committing further criminal
acts. One respondent to the
survey said, “Very frustrating
that even when people are
charged with shoplifting, they
seem to get away with a slap
on the wrist. Furthermore,
there is never a mention of
them having to return stolen
stock.”
Other respondents were
critical of the follow-up to
reported crimes with many
confirming that they have
received no feedback. One
pharmacist commented, “It is
very difficult to obtain status
updates on reported crimes.
I have reported crimes on
many occasions but have
rarely received feedback.”
Another respondent said, “On
several occasions in the past,
I have printed off photos and
provided visual footage of
thefts taking place but have
never been informed of any
conviction.”
While there is a level of
sympathy for the Gardaí,
many respondents remain
extremely frustrated by the
Garda response times, the lack
of Garda response and followup
in some instances, and by
the general lack of visibility of
Gardaí on the ground.
Daragh Connolly added, “It
is not an exaggeration to say
that crime against pharmacies
has reached crisis levels. The
appalling level of crime should
send out a strong message to
the authorities that unless
immediate action is taken,
criminals will continue to see
retail businesses, including
pharmacies, as an easy target.
The belief that criminals
will not be charged, and the
revolving door scenario in
our Courts for the few that
are charged, is giving the
impression to thieves that
their criminal activities will go
unpunished. It is imperative
that a strong message goes
out that criminals will be
apprehended and dealt
with appropriately by the
authorities, including tough
mandatory sentencing. If not,
this sinister and frightening
pattern of crime on
pharmacies will continue to
the detriment of pharmacists
and their staff, and the local
communities we serve.”
Overall, a high level of
visibility of Gardaí and proper
sentencing were deemed by
survey respondents to be
the most effective ways of
reducing crime figures and the
amount of crimes perpetrated
against pharmacies, pharmacy
owners and pharmacy staff.
SECURITY
INFORMATION
The IPU provides advice to members regarding
pharmacy security and support for those who have
been robbed/broken into. Darren Kelly provides advice
to members on all issues around pharmacy security
and also liaises with the Gardaí. He can be contacted
at darren.kelly@ipu.ie or on the direct business line at
01 406 1558.
Aoife Garrigan deals with the reporting and
monitoring of raids and break-ins. In the event of a
raid or break-in to the pharmacy, please contact Aoife
Garrigan at aoife.garrigan@ipu.ie / 01 406 1557. Aoife
provides a Security Pack to members, which contains
information on our Member Assistance Programme.
This is a confidential counselling and specialist
information service for all fully paid members and
their families, provided by VHI Corporate Solutions.
The pack also includes information on preventing and
reducing customer theft and the Crime Prevention
Officer Contact details.
IPUREVIEW FEBRUARY 2017 17