RxPATROL: a Web-based tool for combating pharmacy theft.
OBJECTIVE
To report the incidence of pharmacy-related burglaries and robberies and characteristics of pharmacies where such crimes have occurred using recent data from Rx Pattern Analysis Tracking Robberies & Other Losses (RxPATROL), a national Web-based information clearinghouse on pharmacy-related theft of prescription medications and over-the-counter products.


METHODS
Descriptive, nonexperimental study.


METHODS
United States between 2005 and 2006.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Number of pharmacy theft reports received; incident type, date, and location; point of entry; and pharmacy security features.


RESULTS
Between 2005 and 2006, 202 pharmacy burglary and 299 pharmacy robbery reports from 45 different states were filed with RxPATROL. More than 70% of pharmacies reporting such crimes lacked a security camera. Among those reporting a burglary, 60% lacked dead bolt locks, a solid exterior door, a motion detector device, or a safe or vault for storage of controlled substances. Burglars most often obtained access to the pharmacy via the front door.


CONCLUSIONS
RxPATROL is a Web-based tool that can assist pharmacies and law enforcement in collaborating more effectively to combat and prevent pharmacy-related crimes.
Smith
Meredith Y
MY
Risk Management & Health Policy, Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, CT, USA. meredith.smith@abbott.com
Graham
J Aaron
JA
Haddox
J David
JD
Steffey
Amy
A
D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010594:Pharmacies; D055553:Prescription Drugs; D012637:Security Measures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013800:Theft / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D055553:Prescription Drugs