A string of drug thefts at two local pharmacies dating back to about a year ago are being investigated by deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, officials said Wednesday.
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“There’s been a total of five in the past seven months,” said Deputy Regina Yost, zone leader for Valencia in the Sheriff’s Station’s Crime Prevention Unit.
Two have occurred at the Valencia Town Center Pharmacy, which is in Valencia, and three occurred at the Valencia Pharmacy, which is in Newhall, according to Sheriff’s Station reports.
The first incident occurred at the Valencia location in May 2. The most recent incident was Dec. 8.
The thieves have stolen vicodin and Soma, also known as Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant drug.
Deputies have developed leads, and the investigation is ongoing, Yost said.
The thieves worked quickly at both locations, and the burglaries happened while the stores were closed, Yost said.
Sheriff’s Station officials have taken several steps to try to lessen the likelihood the crimes will happen again, such as suggesting more secure locations for the narcotics.
Deputies from the Crime Prevention Unit met with the Regional manager today of the pharmacy to discuss crime prevention measures.
“Sheriff’s deputies are also increasing patrols in the area,” Yost said.
Both locations are near multi-unit apartment complexes, so she asked that if any residents see anything suspicious near the pharmacies on the 23500 block of Lyons Avenue or the 26300 block of McBean Parkway, that they call the Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.
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