Pharmacy robberies on rise across Calgary, say police

Calgary police say two pharmacieswere robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday, and pharmacy thefts have been on the rise for several months.

According to a release,there have been 21 reported pharmacy robberies across Calgary since September.

No employees have been physically injured during the robberies.

Police say suspectsusually approach the pharmacistby brandishinga firearm before walkingbehind the counter to take drugs and cash.

Drugs that are taken range from cough syrup to codeine.

Police say detective are looking into whether this is a general crime trend across the city or if several individuals are working together.

Pharmacy owners and employees are advised to follow these tips compiledby police:

• Keep safes locked at all times.
• Minimizeamount of cash and drugs readily available on site.
• Test security cameras to make sure they are working and recording a qualityimage.
• Position at least onecamera at sight line of patrons.
• Place height strip tape on the interior side of the main entrance door.
• Keep any doors separating the pharmacy from the store locked.
• Utilize a panic alarm for employees.

Anyone with information about these pharmacy robberies, includingpotential suspicious persons in the area at the time, is askedto call the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or contactCrime Stoppers.