After a rash of robberies, some Grand Strand pharmacies are taking steps to make sure they won't be the next victim.
Many pharmacists are reluctant to talk about security measures because they'd rather not let potential thieves know what they're doing. But we did learn some stores are beefing up security, working more closely with police and they say they're taking certain drugs off their shelves.
Police say highly addictive narcotics like Oxycontin have fueled the recent rash of pharmacy holdups. In response, CVS outlets are now telling customers the stores no longer stock that drug and if you want it, you'll have to order it and wait a few days.
But the owner of Ocean Lakes Pharmacy in Surfside Beach, Roddy Williams, believes that may just be what those stores are telling the public. "I can't imagine stores not stocking medications that you use several times in a day. Could be. I just find that hard to believe," Williams said.
Williams' store has been broken into at least three times, so he's taken his own measures to prevent future thefts. But, he didn't want to talk about them. Williams said he does get worried for his employees when he hears about armed robberies at the big chain stores. "I think all of us subconsciously are reminded of it every day."
Williams no longer accepts any Oxycontin prescriptions from Florida, where he says doctor-shopping for the drug has occurred. Myrtle Beach police have stepped up patrols around pharmacies and offered advice to stores on security.
Police say putting steel bars on windows or keeping pharmacists behind bulletproof glass might help, but stores are reluctant to do that. "Obviously, it would put a damper on some of the criminal activity if they were to do something like that, but it's a matter of public perception. The public may have something to say about it. They're going to do what their corporation tells them," said Cpt. David Knipes, Myrtle Beach Police Department.
Police also have this word of advice for pharmacists who may be confronted by an armed robber. Don't grab a gun. Just hand over the drug. It's not worth giving your life for.
The Drug Enforcement Agency says more than four million people used Oxycontin for non-medical purposes last year.
