- 89% of pharmacies were victims of crime in the past 12 months.
- Reports of harassment and aggressive behaviour towards pharmacy staff.
- Average of €10,000 per pharmacy the annual cost of crime.
IPU 29 July 2025: Pharmacies continue to experience unprecedented levels of crime, with 89% of pharmacies being the victims of criminal activity within the last 12 months, according to the latest Crime Survey conducted by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU). This marks a sharp increase from 72% in 2020 and shows a continued rise in the level of crime experienced by pharmacies over the last number of years.
The IPU Crime Survey 2025 received responses from 230 pharmacies across Ireland and had the following key findings:
- 89% of pharmacies were the victim of crime in the previous 12 months.
- 94% of these had experienced two or more incidents, with 28% experiencing 10 or more incidents.
- 59% of pharmacies reported repeat criminal activity by the same individual.
- Shoplifting was the most common crime, accounting for 96% of crime reported. However, raids, fraud and burglary are all prevalent.
- In 14% of incidents the assailant had a weapon, which included a gun, a knife or a syringe.
Securing the pharmacy is an increasing concern for pharmacies across Ireland, with 64% of pharmacies increasing their security spend in the last year. The average annual spend on security for pharmacies is now estimated to be €5,300, with 65% relying on professional security firms for guidance.
IPU President Tom Muray expressed concern about the findings: “Pharmacists are medicine experts and communities across Ireland rely on the professional healthcare advice from pharmacies. The rise in crime jeopardises staff safety and has an impact on public health. Nearly nine in ten pharmacies experiencing crime is a stark and unacceptable reality.”
While shoplifting remains the most frequent offence, with cosmetics and fragrances, fake tan and other front of counter items being stolen, 10% of pharmacies also reported theft of controlled drugs (3%) and other medicines including prescription (7%), with over-the-counter drugs (10%).
Beyond financial loss – estimated at €4,500 annually per pharmacy – the impact on staff is severe:
- 56% of respondents reported that staff experienced stress or trauma.
- 1 in 10 pharmacies reported having to close temporarily due to crime.
While crime continues to increase, underreporting remains an issue amongst pharmacies.
- 62% believed there is a perception that the incident was too minor to report.
- 58% lacked faith in prosecution or legal consequence.
Concluding, IPU Mr Murray stated, “The majority of pharmacists (89%) believe that there is a need for more visible policing in our communities to reduce the risk of crime against pharmacies. In addition, there is a strong view that tougher sentencing is required (91%) with many pharmacists concerned about the ‘revolving door’ mentality that currently exists, which often sees repeat offenders back on our streets without facing the relevant sanctions.”
“Crimes against pharmacies are crimes against frontline healthcare. We need decisive action now to protect pharmacy staff and community healthcare.”
Ends
About the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU)
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is the representative body for over 1,900 community pharmacies nationwide. It champions the vital role of pharmacists as accessible, trusted healthcare professionals, advocating for the safe and effective use of medicines while working with government and stakeholders to enhance patient care across Ireland.
