All pharmacies in Ontario use delayed safes to help reduce the risk of robbery

Toronto police and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) announced that all pharmacies in Ontario have implemented delayed safes to help reduce the risk of robberies across the province.

Time-delayed safes are used in more than 4,900 Ontario pharmacies to protect drugs including oxycodone, morphine and codeine.

Inspector Joseph Mathis of the TPS Hold-Up Squad said since these safes were introduced, they have seen an 82 percent drop in pharmacy robberies in 2024, from 60 to 10, compared to the same time last year.

“This achievement highlights the impact of delayed safes and also highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to address issues affecting the safety and well-being of our community,” said Insp. Matys.

OCP said it decided to implement the mandate to have delayed safes after reviewing data from other provinces and finding they are the most effective deterrent.

“Working with law enforcement agencies, we've learned that criminals who commit pharmacy robberies rely on getting in and out of pharmacies quickly. The evidence is clear. It is a powerful deterrent when criminals know that drugs are being stored in a delayed safe,” said OCP Board Chairman James Morrison.

The mandate also required community pharmacies to post approved signs indicating the use of time-delay safes at each community entrance and pharmacy counter.

Other tips from Toronto police to help stop pharmacy robberies suggest investing in better surveillance cameras and panic alarms.