Long Island pharmacies step up security in wake of fatal shootings

The deaths of six people in two Long Island pharmacy robberies over the past year have forced many pharmacy owners to rethink security in their stores.

 Some pharmacies are making it clear to the public that they do not carry any oxycodone products which have been the target of the robberies.

Other pharmacies, such as Linden Care in Syosset, have installed new security features.

 “I have an armed security guard; I have video surveillance; I have buzzers,” said Jordan Fogel, supervisor of Linden Care. “You can’t just walk right in; you have to be buzzed in and buzzed in again.”

 Fogel said that when customers walk into the pharmacy, their driver’s licenses and insurance cards are inspected. Linden Care will also install bulletproof glass.

The moves come after six people were shot dead in two separate robbery incidents in Medford and Seaford over the past year.

Officials in both Nassau and Suffolk County held summits in early February to discuss pharmacy safety in the wake of increasing attacks on pharmacies.

Local officials are hoping that by working together they can put an end to the pharmacy related crimes.