--- title: 4 Simple Steps to Protect Your Pharmacy From Internal Theft description: Sonitrol Western Canada has listed five key tips that will ensure your pharmacy is protected from internal theft, with the help of a verified security solution. image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/Sonitrol_pharmacy_security.jpg --- [Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog) [Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/protect-your-pharmacy-from-internal-theft#) - [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms) - [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security) - [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance) - [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) - [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips) - [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control) - 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[Monitored Audio Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/monitored-audio-alarms) - [CCTV](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv) - [Pharmacy and Drug Store Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-and-drug-store-security) - [Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit) - [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security) - [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control) - [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft) - [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds) - [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms) - [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol) - [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops) - [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips) - [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools) - [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision) - [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security) - [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies) - [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing) - [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds) - [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security) - [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security) - [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry) - [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times) - [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity) - [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship) - [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision) - [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive) - [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships) - [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control) - [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail) - [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse) - [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft) - [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance) - [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security) - [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism) - [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control) - [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion) - [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment) - [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions) - [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security) - [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices) - [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship) - [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit) - [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security) - [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church) - [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension) - [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security) - [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants) - [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft) - [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction) - [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits) - [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud) - [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security) - [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology) - [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures) - [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education) # 4 Simple Steps to Protect Your Pharmacy From Internal Theft ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) March 06, 2025 ![Pharmacy security ](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sonitrol_pharmacy_security.jpg?width=800&name=Sonitrol_pharmacy_security.jpg) Due to the availability of over-the-counter prescription drugs - such as codeine, oxycodone, hydromorphone and morphine - [pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/pharmaceutical-and-healthcare-security-solutions) are at incredibly high risk of falling victim to theft. In fact, pharmacies are at particular risk of employee theft. Recent incidents highlight the severity of the issue. In November last year an employee faced charges after more than [10,000 Percocet pills](https://www.kawartha411.ca/2024/11/15/employee-at-lindsay-pharmacy-charged-with-stealing-more-than-10000-percocet-pills/) were reportedly diverted from a local pharmacy.  Meanwhile, in June almost [$4M worth of prescription opioids disappeared](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/unexplained-losses-prescription-drugs-1.7247602) from an Ontario pharmacy and in December there was the tragic case of a child dying after an [alleged pharmacy robbery in Southwest Calgary](https://livewirecalgary.com/2024/12/27/child-dies-in-crash-after-alleged-southwest-calgary-pharmacy-robbery/). It’s clear that pharmacies need to do more to protect their assets and prevent employee theft, and that means improving how they secure their business. [Sonitrol Western Canada](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/) has listed five key tips that will ensure your pharmacy is protected from internal theft. ## 1 - Identify Security Weaknesses Whether your pharmacy business has previously fallen victim to theft or you’re simply planning for the future, if you’re reading this blog then it’s incredibly likely that your pharmacy’s security isn’t foolproof. Pharmacies have a variety of security weaknesses, which could be anything from how you manage your employees, the delivery drivers that handle assets to external threats such as burglars. When it comes to improving your security, the first step is to get a professional security expert to identify your weak spots and build a [unique security plan](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/free-commercial-security-plan) for your company’s specific needs. ## 2 - Train Staff to be Alert Employees shouldn’t put their life at risk to protect your business, but they should be trained in spotting security concerns around your pharmacy. Staff members should know which peculiar behaviours to look out for, both in terms of other employees and potential burglars. For example, a customer who wanders around your pharmacy for an extended period or stands at the prescription counter longer than normal may be trying to work out which type of drugs your pharmacy has on hand. Similarly, employees who show peculiar behaviour when around prescription drugs could also be pilfering from your pharmacy. However, it’s incredibly important not to foster a mistrusting company culture as this will negatively affect your business. ## 3 - Implement Managed Access Control Your pharmacy is highly susceptible to theft because of the high quantity of valuable assets that you have in stock at any one time. So, how can you implement an extra layer of security to protect those assets? Implementing [managed access control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/keyless-access-managed-access-control-office-building-security). Managed access control, otherwise known as keyless entry, puts another layer of security between your assets and criminals. By limiting access to rooms that hold vulnerable prescription drugs to specific employees, you’ll know exactly who was in a room when the stock went missing. ## 4 - Install a Verified Security Solution A [verified security solution](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-verified-alarms-vs-conventional-alarms) is by far the best way your pharmacy can protect its assets, employees and customers from the effects of crime. Unlike conventional CCTV systems that just record break-ins and theft while they are in action, verified video security immediately verifies an intrusion and alerts police through a [central monitoring station](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/central-video-cctv-audio-monitoring) so that they are able to dispatch officers quickly to catch criminals in the act - before they can damage or steal from your business. ## Why Sonitrol is the Best Security Solution for Your Pharmacy Sonitrol’s verified security solutions monitor the perimeter and interior of your pharmacy and are activated by highly sensitive motion and heat controls. That’s why we have the highest criminal apprehension rate in the industry, with more than 188,000 apprehensions to date. Sonitrol offers a level of protection that traditional security systems can’t match. Here’s why pharmacies across North America trust us to safeguard their businesses: - **Industry-Leading Apprehension Rate**: Sonitrol has helped law enforcement apprehend over 188,000 criminals, the highest rate in the industry. - **Faster Police Response Times**: Verified alarms mean law enforcement treats the threat as a crime in progress, responding faster than to conventional alarm calls (in just 3.5 minutes. In fact, many police departments don’t even respond to unverified alarms. - **Drastic Reduction in False Alarms**: False alarms can lead to fines and wasted police resources. Sonitrol’s verified security significantly reduces false alarm rates, ensuring police only respond when there’s a real threat. We have the lowest false alarm rate in the industry, at just 3%. - **$5,000 Performance Guarantee**: We stand behind our technology. If our system fails to detect an actual break-in, we offer a [$5,000 money-back guarantee](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/guaranteed-solutions-commitment-to-service). ## Secure Your Pharmacy Today Internal and external theft can put your business, employees, and customers at risk. Protect your pharmacy with Sonitrol’s industry-leading verified security solutions. Contact us today to schedule a free security plan and discover how Sonitrol can provide unmatched protection for your business.  [![Free Security Plan](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/a9fa8d15-3966-4f69-a4d8-40d8058a866f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/a9fa8d15-3966-4f69-a4d8-40d8058a866f) **Tags: ** [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies) ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) March 06, 2025 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee! ### Related Articles ##### [![How To Protect Your Hospital Clinic or Medical Facility in Western Canada From Crime](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Pharmacy-2.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=Pharmacy-2.jpg) Verified Video Surveillance • February 14, 2022 How To Protect Your Hospital Clinic or Medical Facility in Western Canada From Crime 2 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-hospital-clinic-or-medical-facility-in-western-canada-from-crime) ##### [![Pharmacies and Clinics Need Integrated Security Systems](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pharmacy%20Security-png.png?width=520&height=294&name=Pharmacy%20Security-png.png) Pharmacy and Drug Store Security • September 24, 2020 Pharmacies and Clinics Need Integrated Security Systems 2 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/pharmacies-and-clinics-need-integrated-security-systems) ### Subscribe to Sonitrol Blog Updates Stay up to date with the industry's leading news, products and information. ###### Recent Posts - [What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026) - [How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong) - [Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown) - [Why Businesses Switch to Sonitrol Verified Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-businesses-switch-to-sonitrol-verified-security) - [Why Every Business Should Get a Commercial Security Audit Before Choosing a System](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-every-business-should-get-a-commercial-security-audit-before-choosing-a-system) ![sonitrol-guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/sonitrol-guide.png?width=219&height=200&name=sonitrol-guide.png) ##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems #### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about. Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)