Cork crime: Persistent and sometimes violent crime now routine for city pharmacists

Pat Dalton says in the last year alone, his pharmacy in Cork City has experienced 'several incidents of theft and of verbal abuse' 
Cork crime: Persistent and sometimes violent crime now routine for city pharmacists

Pat Dalton: 'Crime — persistent, often aggressive, and sometimes violent — has become an unfortunate and routine part of daily life in many pharmacies, including my own.' File picture: Tony O'Connell

As a pharmacist operating in North Main St in Cork, I have always believed that our primary role is to provide accessible, professional healthcare to all who walk through our doors.

We are often the first point of contact for patients, delivering everything from life-saving medications to simple advice. Pharmacies are medicine experts and serve as a trusted presence in every town and village across Ireland — embedded in the heart of our communities.

However, over the past number of years, an increasing threat has emerged — one that undermines both our ability to serve and our sense of safety.

Following our focus on courts in June, the 'Irish Examiner' is exploring crime data from garda stations in our Cork Crime series in print and online here on Monday and Tuesday, August 4 and 5. 

Crime — persistent, often aggressive, and sometimes violent — has become an unfortunate and routine part of daily life in many pharmacies, including my own.

In the last 12 months alone, my pharmacy has experienced several incidents of theft and of verbal abuse. Sadly, these experiences are now commonplace across the profession.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union’s (IPU) 2025 crime survey, 89% of pharmacies in Ireland have been victims of crime in the past year.

That figure, up significantly from 72% in 2020, paints a stark picture of the deteriorating safety environment in which community pharmacists now operate.

The survey, which included responses from 230 pharmacies nationwide, revealed almost all those affected, 94%, had experienced more than one incident; nearly a third, 28%, had faced 10 or more.

Shoplifting — and more serious crimes too 

Most of the crimes reported involved shoplifting — everything from cosmetics and skincare products to over the counter medications.

However, more serious crimes, including burglary, fraud, and armed raids, are disturbingly prevalent.

In 14% of incidents, assailants were armed with guns, knives, or syringes.

This is not just a question of financial loss, though that alone is significant.

On average, crime costs pharmacies approximately €10,000 per year, including the value of the stolen goods and increased security expenses. Like many of my colleagues, I have invested in new security measures — upgraded CCTV, reinforced doors, and panic buttons — at a considerable cost, both financially and mentally.

Some 64% of pharmacies increased their security spend last year, with the average spend now exceeding €5,000 annually.

'Exhausting and disheartening' cycle

Yet, despite these efforts, crime continues. 

Even more concerning is the high rate of repeat offences, with 59% of pharmacies report being targeted by the same individuals on multiple occasions.

This cycle is exhausting and disheartening.

Many of us have begun to question whether reporting such incidents is worth the effort, particularly when so few seem to result in prosecution or meaningful consequences.

According to the IPU, 58% of pharmacists lack faith in the legal process, and 62% believe the crimes are perceived as too minor to pursue.

The reality is that these incidents are not minor. The impact on staff is profound.

Some 56% of pharmacists report staff have experienced stress or trauma, and one in 10 pharmacies have had to close temporarily due to crime. These closures disrupt patient care and place additional pressure on neighbouring healthcare services.

Demand for more visible policing 

There is a pressing need for greater support and protection from the State and from our communities. Some 89% of pharmacists believe more visible policing is essential, not only to deter crime but to give pharmacy staff a renewed sense of safety and reassurance.

Furthermore, 91% support tougher sentencing for repeat offenders, many of whom seem to pass through a revolving door in the criminal justice system, returning to our premises again and again without facing meaningful consequences.

It is essential to recognise that crimes against pharmacies are not simply commercial offences. Pharmacies are healthcare environments, and their staff are trained professionals who provide critical support to the public.

Crime disrupting patient care

Crime in this setting not only endangers staff and patients but also disrupts access to medication and care, with broader consequences for public health.

Pharmacists are healthcare providers, not security personnel.

Our focus should be on patient care — not on confronting theft, managing aggressive behaviour, or dealing with the aftermath of crime.

Nevertheless, crime has become a routine and unwelcome aspect of pharmacy practice, and this situation cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

I take great pride in my work and in the role that pharmacies play in our communities, and I should not have to do it in fear.

Neither should any of my colleagues.

It is time we ensure that every pharmacy is a place of safety, dignity, and care — for both those who work in them and those who rely on them every day.

  • Pat Dalton is the proprietor of Dalton’s Pharmacy on North Main St in Cork

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