CCTV shows the burglary took place between 6am and 7am on Saturday September 25. A man entered the Lloydspharmacy branch on St. Jude’s Road in Englefield Green, Surrey by smashing the front door with a hammer, according to a statement issued by Surrey Police on Tuesday (October 5).

“Once inside, the suspect is believed to have taken an amount of cash,” Surrey Police said.

Pharmacy forced to close, “creating unnecessary inconvenience”

A spokesperson for Lloydspharmacy told C+D yesterday (October 6): “Fortunately, no colleagues were on the premises at the time, but the damage caused meant the pharmacy had to close for the day, creating unnecessary inconvenience for local people collecting their prescription medicines and accessing other important healthcare advice.”

Lloydspharmacy is encouraging anyone with information relating to the incident to contact the police.

“We’re grateful for the speed and professionalism shown by our colleagues as they worked to re-open the pharmacy,” the spokesperson added.

Surrey Police investigating officer Runnymede PC Fi Pointon said: “This burglary will have had a significant impact on the residents of Englefield Green as the pharmacy had to close for a period of time due to the damage caused, which left patients having to travel further to get their medication or treatments.”

The force has now released CCTV images of the incident and is calling on anyone with information or who may recognise the man to contact them, quoting crime reference number PR/45210101406 via webchat, online or by calling 101.

Alternatively, people can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In August, Seven Hills Pharmacy in Sheffield was broken into twice in one week, leaving the pharmacy facing costs of up to £15,000 to repair and taking additional security measures to prevent further break-ins. Meanwhile in April, staff were left “badly shaken” after an armed robbery of a pharmacy in Portadown, Northern Ireland.

Last month, the Company Chemists’ Association, the Association of Independent Multiple pharmacies and the National Pharmacy Association told C+D they are taking measures to ensure greater protection for pharmacists and pharmacy staff facing increased levels of violence at work.