News

Pharmacies targeted by thieves

Wednesday 2 September 2009

RELEASED TO MEDIA AT 9:05 AM ON WEDNESDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2009

THE States of Jersey Police are urging pharmacy owners and managers to keep a close eye on their shops following two break-ins, and two attempted break-ins, at pharmacies around the Island in the last two weeks. It is believed that all the break-ins, or attempted beak-ins, were made either late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

The crime reduction unit from the States of Jersey Police has been liaising with chemists to offer advice on building security, and the Honorary Police have been assisting the States of Jersey Police with ongoing checks of chemists.

It is known that a large quantity of prescription medication (some of it returned medication) was stolen from some of the chemists, and Police would appeal that if Islanders find any medication bottles which have been discarded, they are handed in to them.

It is stressed that due to good security measures in the pharmacies, the strongest drugs were not able to be stolen, which were kept in strong safes.

The incidents were as follows:

22-23 August: Lloyd’s Chemist, in Gorey Village (break-in)
24 August: Village Pharmacy at St Ouen (break-in)
14-17 August: De Faye’s Chemist, David Place, St Helier (attempted break-in)
22-23 August: Spar store, St John’s Village (attempted break-in)

Head of the Force’s pro-active investigation team, Det Insp Alan Guy said: ‘A number of people were arrested, interviewed and released pending further enquiries last week in relation to these incidents, and enquiries remain ongoing. Our enquiries include looking at CCTV, which can be valuable.’

‘It is believed that prior to these incidents, a small red car (possibly a Peugeot) may have been seen in the areas before attempts to break in were made.

‘Anyone who sees anything suspicious near a pharmacy, particularly late at night or in the early hours of the morning, is asked to call Police Headquarters on 612612, or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

‘We know that pharmacies are well aware of how important good security is, and we would urge them to keep up these valuable measures, and contact our crime reduction unit for security advice if they would like an update.’

Det Insp Alan Guy
The Pro-Active Investigation Team
The States of Jersey Police