Around three in four pharmacies in Ireland have experienced some type of crime, with almost one in five of these crimes described as ‘violent', a new survey has found.

According to the Irish Pharmacy Union's (IPU) Crime Survey 2015, 74% of pharmacies have experienced some form of crime, including shop lifting and raids.

Some 84% of these have experienced at least two incidents and 18% of the crimes were ‘violent'. In cases where there was a raid or robbery, one-third involved the perpetrator carrying a weapon, such as a gun or a knife.

Almost 80% of pharmacies reported the crime to the Gardai, with 69% of these stating that they felt their case was dealt with effectively or adequately.

Where pharmacists did not report a crime, almost half said this was because they felt that the perpetrator would not be charged.

The survey also noted that in 21% of cases, cash was taken, in 13% of cases, over-the-counter drugs were taken, while in 10% of cases, controlled drugs were taken.

When it came to shoplifting, make-up and false tan were the items most likely to be taken.

IPU vice-president, Daragh Connolly, described the survey results as ‘extremely worrying'.

"It is difficult enough to run a pharmacy in the current environment without being the target for criminal activity that not only has a significant cost factor, but more importantly has a detrimental impact on pharmacy staff who are subjected to these incidents.

"Almost one in five cases against pharmacies are ‘violent' in nature, involving not only a physical threat but also a substantial psychological threat to victims. It is unacceptable that pharmacy owners and their staff are viewed as ‘soft targets' where the probability of repeat offences is high and the risk of apprehension and penalty is low," he commented.

Mr Connolly noted that many pharmacists who have been the victims of crime emphasised that even if the criminals are caught, ‘they are not sufficiently penalised and are allowed to continue with their criminal activities'.

"What is urgently required is a no tolerance approach from the judiciary and the Gardaí, with tougher sentencing and a more visible Garda presence required to address this scourge. If not, this sinister and frightening pattern of crime on pharmacies will continue," he insisted.

The survey involved a sample of 120 pharmacies nationwide and was carried out last month.