“The State has abandoned us”, denounces the sector

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A few seconds of images which illustrate the fed up of a profession. Saturday November 16, 2024, a video filmed in a pharmacy in Blanc-Mesnil is broadcast on the X Cpasdeslol account. For thirty seconds, the person films the pharmacy shelves. Above the baby milk or next to the cash register, the owner displayed the photos of people who have committed vols in his store.

“50,000 euros per year”

A illegal practicepunishable by one year of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros, which would aim to put a stop to the thefts of which many pharmacies in the department seem to be the target. Although no official figures are available, the unions have heard of the phenomenon. “We are at a loss of 50,000 euros per year,” estimates one of its members who prefers to remain anonymous.

According to him, thieves have become professional. “We're more dealing with a woman who steals cream because she can't afford it. From now on, they come in several with large bags and in the space of two minutes they take the entire section of solar products. »

“We are in a no man’s land”

Despite attempts toParis news to identify the pharmacy in question, all the people contacted denied being at the origin of these postings. But, still according to the trade unionist who heard of the practice, the manager is convinced of the inaction of the justice system. “He is so aware of the fact that he is not risking anything that he took the risk,” he says. At the heart of the pharmacists' exasperation: the impression that the thieves, even if they are arrested, will not be not sanctioned. “We are in no man’s land. The State has abandoned us. »

Questioned about the photos, another apothecary from Blanc-Mesnil, also a victim of looting, would have been tempted by the practice if it had been legal. “It’s more and more often, thefts have increased. A little inattention and here we go again. » File a complaint? “It’s no use”he laments before admitting to having already resorted to violence to chase away a repeat offender.

A problem which has also come to the attention of the National Order of Pharmacists. In its latest report published in April 2024, the organization counts in France in 2023 475 reports of aggressionincluding 40% theft and damage. Another figure which echoes the feedback from pharmacists: only 34.5% of respondents filed a complaint. “If lack of time and fear of reprisals are among the main reasons given, others believe that the complaint is not necessary given the little follow-up given. »

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