Pharmacies step up security after robberies

Calgary pharmacies are taking extra security precautions especially in light of five pharmacy robberies in the past three weeks.

The most recent two happened on Tuesday night with firearms involved in both cases.

A man armed with a handgun and wearing a balaclava demanded narcotics and cash from the IDA Pharmacy at 5271 Memorial Drive N.E. He fled on foot.

A few hours later, a man with a rifle demanded Oxycontin and morphine, which are highly addictive, from staff at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy at 600 Crowfoot Cres. N.W. He fled in an older model, silver Acura, said police.

'There was times when it would just be myself here; I don't feel comfortable doing that anymore.' —Ian Kruger, pharmacist

The vehicle was later recovered nearby.

Police did not disclose what was taken in the two robberies.

Denis Taillieu, chief executive officer of Paragon Pharmacies, which has had three locations robbed of drugs and cash this month, said security has been upgraded but did not disclose any specific details.

"We've reviewed our physical security procedures and have enhanced the security with personnel, as well as made some technology enhancements," he told CBC News on Wednesday.

Training for staff

Ian Kruger, who runs an independent pharmacy west of Calgary, said his store has video cameras, a sliding security door, an alarm and automatic locks. But the recent robberies still make him nervous.

"It's always in the back of your mind being a pharmacist. Unfortunately I've been in stores where they have been robbed before," he said.

"I've gone so far as to ensure that there's always at least … two people on staff in the store at all times. There was times when it would just be myself here; I don't feel comfortable doing that anymore."

Another independent pharmacy installed a vestibule at the front entrance so staff can check who is at the door before unlocking it for entry.   

The Alberta Pharmacists' Association advises drug stores to keep valuables out of sight and to train staff how to stay safe if they are robbed.