NEARLY nine in 10 pharmacies experienced shoplifting with an “appalling” rise in physical attacks on staff over the past year, a survey has found.

Experts have issued a warning over the unprescribed use of strong painkillers and benzodiazepine drugs following the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) poll of 476 pharmacies in England.

It found that some 87 per cent also reported an increase in aggressive or intimidating behaviour towards pharmacy teams, while 22 per cent said they had witnessed physical assaults on staff.

Of those who reported these instances to police, almost three-quarters said they felt the response was insufficient.

NPA chief executive Henry Gregg said: “These are appalling findings and show that pharmacies are seeing a significant increase in shoplifting and other criminal behaviour.

“It is particularly concerning to hear of reports of physical assaults as well as threats towards pharmacy staff, which is totally unacceptable.

“Theft of medication from a pharmacy, such as strong pain relief or benzodiazepines, could have serious consequences for someone’s health.

“We need to do more to tackle shoplifting as well as offering pharmacies similar support to other NHS colleagues in primary care to protect their staff and their premises.”

A government spokesperson said: “The rise in shop theft across the country in recent years is unacceptable.

“This government is removing the effective immunity that currently applies to thefts involving goods valued under £200, and this summer, more than 500 town centres are receiving additional neighbourhood patrols to strengthen action against shop theft and related offences.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence or harassment directed at NHS staff and community pharmacists.”