Staff at a pharmacy in Tamworth have been left “shocked” after thieves raided their controlled drugs safe.

The burglars “completely emptied the safe” after they broke into Siswick Pharmacy on Masefield Drive on Monday (April 20), said a staff member who wished to remain anonymous.

Staffordshire Police said thieves had "forced their way into the pharmacy" just before 3.40am. As well as taking cash, the individuals “forcefully removed” the safe and stole a “large quantity” of controlled drugs, including Ritalin, diamorphine and morphine sulphate, police said on Tuesday (April 21).

The thieves also took prescription-only drugs including pain relief medication Butran and psychostimulants used for the treatment of ADHD, police added.

The anonymous staff member said the thieves had “not gone for anything in particular”.

Staff were “all very shocked” when they entered the pharmacy the following morning. They were still trying to estimate the cost of repairs, which was likely to be “a relatively large amount of money”, the staff member told C+D.

The burglary had caused disruption to customers as the pharmacy was not able to reopen until 11.30am, they added. “We put a notice up so a lot of people just expressed their sympathy through the window and came back later.” 

Staffordshire Police warned anyone offered the stolen drugs to alert them immediately on 101 and quote incident number 96 of April 20.

“These drugs are dangerous and should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Anyone who takes them is at risk of overdose and should contact an ambulance immediately if they feel unwell,” they added. 

Read C+D's tips for preventing crime in your pharmacy here. 

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