Security concepts: How pharmacies protect themselves against burglary

Cash, narcotics, patient data – local pharmacies are an attractive target for criminals. Pharmacies are often located in buildings that are empty in the evenings and on weekends and are surrounded by other shops. Burglaries are easy targets. Since burglars often only take less than three minutes to break in, they are hardly at risk of being discovered during this time. Furthermore, many pharmacies are conveniently located, offering good escape routes. The large display windows and automatic doors are also practically an invitation for criminals.

If the attempt succeeds, it not only results in frustration and high costs when repairing the damage, but can also lead to business interruptions or psychological problems for the team. But with a few tricks, you can make your own business more secure. Because the attack patterns of the perpetrators are often similar.

First of all: Alarm systems aren't particularly effective. Since they're legally required to silence after just three minutes, this is unlikely to have much effect depending on the time of day and the location of the pharmacy. And should they trigger a false alarm, it can be expensive. If the police are called in error, the operator bears the responsibility – regardless of certification or technical defects. Depending on the region or state, such a mishap can cost around €200.

Remote monitoring alone is similarly disadvantageous, as it requires a driver to make their way to the pharmacy only after the system notifies them of a triggered alarm. By the time they arrive, the theft has already been committed. Video surveillance with an intervention option is more effective, meaning a security guard can immediately address the perpetrator and thus stop them in the act, for example, when they are breaking a window. This type of live burglary protection is suitable not only for large glass surfaces, such as at the front door, but also for night and emergency service hatches.

According to experts, an intercom system increases the chances that a burglar will quickly flee. According to "Keinbruch," a police and business initiative, almost half (45.7 percent) of burglaries will remain at the attempted stage by 2024. In this context, the experts emphasize that spotlights or motion detectors on the facade may have a deterrent effect, but that's all they need. When professionals are at work, more protection is required.