Salinas pharmacists see uptick in burglaries over drugs
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Salinas pharmacies say what they are seeing is an uptick in burglaries and armed robberies in recent years is connected to the opioid addiction epidemic.
At least four burglars broke into Sherman's Apothecary Pharmacy on South Main Street in Salinas early Sunday morning. The owner says it is the second time their store has been broken into in two years.
News of the brazen theft, where two suspects were arrested and two remain at large, is sending chills down other local pharmacists.
"My other pharmacy, A&O Clinic Pharmacy, we've just gone to bars to keep people out," said Dave Smith, a business owner and pharmacist.
In speaking with different local pharmacies in Salinas, most of them are saying they are seeing an uptick in burglaries at their stores in recent years. They are pointing to the fight against the opioid crisis as the main reason why thieves would want to break into their stores.
"There are not as many tablets being prescribed, so there's less for resale and the value on the street is much greater," said Smith.
"My daughter works in Oakland hospital and she said there's a lot of that going on over there," said Sandra Fernandez, a Salinas resident.
Pharmacists say drugs like Vicodin, Oxycodone and Promethazine with Codone are some of the most popular to steal.
Smith has had a total of about eight break-ins at his pharmacies over the last 15 years. Most pharmacies have extra security measures to deter and prevent any break-ins, like cameras on every corner and inside.
"You almost have to go to taking windows down, putting up less window space, having bars, roll down door is what we have here at this store," said Smith.
For pharmacies, it is simply the cost of doing business now.
"Oh, that's terrible. I wasn't aware of that. Especially the one, Sherman is a family-owned business. That is terrible," said Fernandez.
Salinas police are saying the search is ongoing for the two other suspects that escaped arrest on Sunday.
The Monterey County District Attorney's Office is still investigating the officer-involved shooting that took place at Sherman's Apothecary Pharmacy as well.
