Published: October 28, 2007 08:33 am      

Prescription drug thefts a growing concern in Floyd, Clark counties

NA authorities dealing with it regularly, Jeff monitoring

The theft of prescription drugs from private residences is a significant problem in New Albany, and an issue police in Jeffersonville are monitoring.

On a weekly basis, New Albany Police are dealing with theft of medications, including but not limited to narcotic painkillers and sedatives such as Vicodin and Xanax. Though pharmacy break-ins are common nationwide and have occurred recently, the biggest issue is family members and acquaintances of patients taking pills from inside homes, said NAPD Cpl. Todd Bailey.

“This is among the fastest growing crime we have,” Bailey said. “People either resell them or misuse them.”

Bailey also noted the crime is more serious than some people might believe. Stealing one pill, whether it is a scheduled drug such as Xanax or an allergy medication, is a felony, he said. A single pill could lead to two charges — theft and receiving stolen property. In addition, if the pill is a scheduled narcotic, like Vicodin, that also could add felony possession of a controlled substance. Whether the pill is ingested or sold could determine at least one additional felony, Bailey said.

Most felonies related to misuse and theft are D felonies, which hold penalties of six months to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine per count in the event of a conviction.

Jeffersonville Police Det. Brian Mitchell said pills have been stolen from Jeffersonville residences, and the misuse and theft of prescription drugs is a concern, but it is not an “epidemic.”

Both he and Bailey recommend people conceal their prescriptions, whether at home or in their vehicle.

“There is an important balance that needs to be found,” Bailey said. “Most people who come into a person’s home are trustworthy, and have no intent of doing anything wrong. The key is to really know who visits your house, and don’t tempt anything by leaving the medications out.”

Bailey also noted it is illegal to carry around even a single prescribed pill without its prescription bottle. That offense could also lead to a felony charge.

Another concern, which is not just about criminal activity, is sometimes people simply take pills from a box and not know what they are. This could have severe adverse health effects, Bailey said.

“The bottom line is, prescription drugs are helpful but potentially dangerous,” Mitchell said. “People should protect their health by ensuring they don’t get into the wrong hands.”