“It’s demoralizing because we work for nothing”: pharmacists exasperated by thefts in pharmacies

It is a scourge that more and more pharmacists are faced with. Last year, thefts from pharmacies represented 40% of the attacks suffered by these professionals. Beauty products are particularly coveted, as confirmed by Dr Isabelle Selbmann-Pichon, who remembers a young girl who stole dozens of sun creams.

“She left with the products in her arms. I left my office and we chased her. We were able to get our things back and we were insulted, she was very violent,” confides this manager of a pharmacy in the 5th arrondissement of Marseille, as we can see in the report from TF1's 8 p.m. to be found at the top of this article.

Violent and often uninhibited thieves

The thugs are often violent and frequently uninhibited, like this woman who stole 300 euros of cream in front of the counters. “It’s demoralizing because we work for nothing. These are products that still require an investment”deplores Dr Isabelle Selbmann-Pichon

His fed up is shared by Dr Stéphane Pichon. Pharmacist and regional president of the order of pharmacists of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica region, he multiplies the elements of protection. This professional has installed plexiglass windows, anti-theft devices and even surveillance cameras equipped with artificial intelligence to track suspicious behavior. A technology that requires an investment of 3000 euros per year.

At some point you have to stop because it's exponential

Dr Vasken Artinian

But the presence of a camera does not always deter criminals from taking action. Doctor Vasken Artinian knows something about this. He decided to hire a security guard. An effective, but expensive, solution. “Five years ago, pharmacy thefts represented 500 euros per year, then 2000, 8000, 10,000. At some point, we have to stop because it’s exponential”deplores the manager of a pharmacy in the fifth arrondissement of Marseille.

• Read also

  “They leave very quickly”: in London, phone thefts are exploding… because of electric bikes

But why are pharmacies so targeted? The offenders actually take advantage of the inattention of pharmacists who are busy most of the time with medical prescriptions. Do these thieves operate in networks? For Commander Séverine Lucienne-Bonnotte, the answer is no. “Very often, these are isolated acts, shoplifting with people who prefer to steal a beauty cream for 40 euros rather than pay for it. We have no case with elaborate structures”.