Pharmacies face growing threats like theft, burglary, and drug diversion, putting staff, customers, and inventory at risk. Strategic surveillance solutions—such as LVT’s mobile security units—offer real-time monitoring, deterrence, and compliance support to safeguard these vital community hubs.
Pharmacies are an essential thread in the fabric of a community. Growing up in my hometown, the local pharmacy was more than just a place to fill prescriptions. It was where we picked up cough syrup when cold season came around, grabbed a bottle of water on a hot day, and always found a box of band-aids after a rough game of driveway basketball. The pharmacist knew our names and asked how we were feeling — it was a place of care, comfort, and familiarity.
Pharmacies quietly operate in the background, keeping a community healthy and safe. But just like any vital service, pharmacies face challenges. Theft, break-ins, and drug diversion threaten a business’s operations and the well-being of the people it serves. Protecting these spaces means protecting the health of the community itself.
Pharmacy burglaries are increasing in both frequency and severity. Expensive and potent medications increase a pharmacy's risk of theft. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that “nearly 900 burglaries involving the theft of controlled substances were reported in 2023.” These crimes are often driven by both personal drug use and organized drug trafficking networks. In Georgia, a small, local pharmacy was robbed. The thief managed to steal thousands of dollars worth of medications by “cutting through the back door, disabling the alarm system, and sawing into the pharmacy's safe to steal drugs.” Stolen prescriptions put entire communities and vulnerable patients at risk, depriving people of the medications they need while also flooding a community with uncontrolled substances.
A high-quality security system is one of the best ways to strengthen your pharmacy’s security immune system. Surveillance and monitoring system shields your business from potential threats. With the right security measures, pharmacy owners can deter criminal activity, respond swiftly to incidents, and gain peace of mind as they know their staff, customers, and inventory are safe. By investing in quality security solutions, pharmacies can focus on what they do best — caring for their neighbors.
A clear understanding of the specific risks pharmacies face can help identify the security features needed for effective protection. Below are some of the most common threats to pharmacy security and how a high-quality surveillance system can keep pharmacies safe.
The high value and demand for prescription drugs make pharmacies a prime target for theft. Opioids and other controlled substances are especially sought after by both individuals and organized drug trafficking networks. Criminals may attempt to break in after hours, steal medications from storage areas, or even manipulate prescriptions. Without a quality surveillance system in place, detecting and preventing these crimes can be almost impossible.
High-definition surveillance cameras and real-time alerts allow pharmacy staff and law enforcement to respond quickly, increasing the chances of apprehending criminals and preventing crimes to escalate. Looking for a security system that has mobility provide an extra layer of security as they can be strategically placed to monitor vulnerable entry points. Pharmacies also need to consider how quickly a system can alert owners of a break-in.
Pharmacies often face the dual threat of burglaries and armed robberies. After-hours break-ins may involve criminals forcing entry through doors or windows, disabling alarm systems, and targeting safes containing controlled substances. On the other hand, daytime robberies can place employees and customers in immediate danger, with perpetrators using intimidation or weapons to demand drugs and cash.
A system with wide scope cameras and adjustable cameras near storage rooms, dispensing areas, and high-risk zones, can help pharmacy owners identify suspicious behavior.
Unfortunately, pharmacies can’t only focus on external threats, sometimes internal threats from their own staff can become a significant problem. Employees with direct access to medication storage areas may divert prescription drugs for personal use or resale. Internal theft is often harder to detect than external crimes because it may occur in small quantities over time.
Internal cameras can monitor storage rooms, dispensing areas, and high-risk zones. Cameras can also help pharmacy owners know that their employees are following established protocols. Business owners are able to identify suspicious behavior, ensure accountability, and maintain the integrity of their operations.
Creating a secure environment isn’t just about protecting inventory — it’s also about safeguarding employees and customers. Pharmacies are community hubs, often frequented by vulnerable populations, including elderly patients or those with chronic illnesses. Threats like robberies, loitering, or confrontations can compromise the sense of safety that pharmacies strive to provide.
Surveillance cameras offer continuous monitoring, deterring criminal behavior while also capturing valuable evidence in the event of an incident. Choosing cameras with high-quality resolution can help law enforcement track down criminals with greater detail and accuracy.
Pharmacies should consider a system that can give real-time alerts and allow remote access. This allows pharmacy managers to oversee operations in real time, ensuring their staff and customers remain safe and secure.
Pharmacies are required to adhere to strict regulations when it comes to the storage and handling of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state-level authorities mandate security measures to prevent drug theft and ensure accountability. This includes maintaining secure storage areas, limiting access to authorized personnel, and employing surveillance systems to monitor and document activities.
Security solutions with clear, high-resolution footage offer valuable reporting capabilities that can support compliance audits and investigations. By investing in reliable surveillance, pharmacies demonstrate their commitment to regulatory standards while protecting their businesses and communities
LiveView Technologies (LVT) offers the highest quality comprehensive security that is designed to address the unique challenges that pharmacies face. From deterring theft and break-ins to ensuring compliance with strict regulations, LVT’s mobile surveillance units provide around-the-clock protection. With high-definition cameras, real-time alerts, and remote access capabilities, pharmacy owners gain full visibility into their operations no matter where they are.
LVT’s mobile security systems are particularly effective at combating external threats like burglaries and robberies. Criminals attempting to break in after hours will be met with clear video surveillance that captures every detail. In the event of an incident, law enforcement can rely on sharp, actionable footage for investigations. Even more, the presence of visible cameras deters criminals before they act, helping prevent crimes altogether.
Internal theft can also be addressed with LVT’s strategic monitoring solutions. Cameras can be positioned in storage rooms and dispensing areas to ensure compliance with protocols and identify suspicious behavior. With intelligent motion detection and customizable alerts, business owners can detect irregular activity promptly, protecting both their inventory and their reputation.
Pharmacies serve as community cornerstones, often caring for vulnerable populations. By maintaining constant surveillance and providing real-time access to video feeds, LVT helps pharmacy managers respond quickly to disturbances, creating a safer environment for everyone.
Partnering with LVT for pharmacy security means you can protect what matters most — staff, customers, and community. Let’s explore how enhancing your pharmacy’s security can strengthen its resilience and ensure it remains a trusted source of care.
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