Police Investigate Break-In At Switzer's Pharmacy In Southport

FAIRFIELD, CT — A smash-and-grab burglary at Switzer's Pharmacy in Southport is under investigation by Fairfield police, Patch has learned.

According to Lt. Michael Paris, a passerby early Sunday reported to police that he saw the front door of the Pequot Avenue pharmacy had been smashed.

Upon arrival, police found that the store's main shopping area appeared to be undisturbed, but the drawer to the cash register, which is behind the checkout counter, was open and only coins were left inside, no cash.

A large safe in the pharmacy also appeared to still be locked and undisturbed.

"The rear room contained the pharmaceutical products, which appeared to be ransacked," Paris wrote in an email to Patch. "Multiple cabinets were ransacked, with multiple drawers still open. One cabinet contained bank deposit envelopes, which were empty."

Paris said that how much had been taken was still under investigation by detectives.

"We do occasionally have these burglaries occur, and [they] tend to come in bursts with our surrounding towns," Paris said, adding that pharmacies in other Fairfield County communities may have also been hit in recent months, but he did not have details.

The lieutenant offered the following tips to pharmacies and store owners to help thwart such break-ins:

• Install security cameras. Security cameras can deter criminals and provide evidence for law enforcement. Make sure the cameras are visible so that criminals know they are being watched.
• Use shatterproof glass. Shatterproof glass will make it more difficult for criminals to break into your store.
• Have a security system. A security system will alert you if someone tries to break into your store. You should also have a plan for what to do if a robbery occurs.
• Keep high-value merchandise out of sight. If you have to display high-value merchandise, make sure it is well-lit and visible to the public. This will make it less attractive to criminals.
• Have multiple employees working at all times. This will make it more difficult for criminals to rob your store. Employees should be trained to be aware of suspicious activity and to call the police if they see anything wrong.
• Keep your doors and windows locked. This is a basic but important security measure. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, even when the store is open.
• Train your employees to be aware of suspicious activity. Employees should be trained to look for people who are loitering outside the store, casing the store, or acting suspiciously inside the store. If an employee sees something suspicious, they should report it to a manager immediately.
• Post signs about your security measures. Signs that advertise your security measures, such as security cameras and a security system, can deter criminals.
• Keep your store well-lit. Well-lit stores are less attractive to criminals.
• Park your delivery trucks in well-lit areas. Delivery trucks that are parked in dark areas are more likely to be targeted by criminals.
• Report suspicious activity to the police. If you see something suspicious, report it to the police immediately. The police can investigate the activity and take steps to prevent a crime from happening.