Key Takeaways:
- Over 58 million packages were stolen in 2024, with an estimated 250,000 packages stolen every day.
- Medication theft is a significant concern, particularly during the holiday season when package deliveries surge.
- To lower the risk of theft, individuals can schedule deliveries for when they’re home, use a hidden delivery spot, and consider using a locker or requiring a signature upon delivery.
- If a package containing medication is stolen, it’s essential to contact the pharmacy, prescribing doctor, and local law enforcement immediately.
- Pharmacies and mail-order companies are taking steps to prevent theft, including using discreet packaging and offering package tracking.
Introduction to the Problem of Package Theft
The story of Carmen Peterson and her son Ethan highlights the growing concern of package theft, particularly when it comes to medication. Ethan, who has a rare genetic disorder, relies on a medicine called Epidiolex to prevent seizures. However, when a thief stole the package containing the medication from their front porch, Peterson was left to navigate a complex system to get it replaced. The incident not only put Ethan’s health at risk but also exposed the challenges of tracking and preventing package theft.
The Complexity of Package Delivery
The process of delivering packages involves multiple parties, including the sender, carrier, and recipient. This complexity makes it difficult to track and prevent theft. According to Ben Stickle, a professor of criminal justice administration, it’s challenging to get a clear picture of package theft because victims often report it to different places, and the information is not always shared. As a result, the true extent of package theft is difficult to determine. However, estimates suggest that over 58 million packages were stolen in 2024, with an estimated 250,000 packages stolen every day.
Consequences of Medication Theft
The theft of medication can have severe consequences, particularly for individuals like Ethan who rely on it to manage their condition. When Peterson’s package was stolen, she had to act quickly to get it replaced to prevent Ethan from missing a dose. The experience was not only frustrating but also stressful, as she had to navigate the system to get the medication replaced. The incident highlights the need for pharmacies and mail-order companies to take steps to prevent theft and ensure that patients receive their medication safely.
Preventing Package Theft
To lower the risk of theft, individuals can take several steps. Scheduling deliveries for when they’re home, using a hidden delivery spot, and considering a locker or requiring a signature upon delivery can all help prevent theft. Pharmacies and mail-order companies are also taking steps to prevent theft, including using discreet packaging and offering package tracking. For example, CVS Caremark offers customers package tracking, and Walgreens uses discreet packaging to help prevent theft. Additionally, customers can opt to require a signature when their medicines are delivered, which can help ensure that the package is received safely.
The Role of Pharmacies and Mail-Order Companies
Pharmacies and mail-order companies play a critical role in preventing medication theft. Companies like Express Scripts and Optum Rx offer mail-order pharmacy services and take steps to prevent theft. For example, Stryker Awtry, the director of Loss Prevention and Transformation for Optum Pharmacy, says that making sure patients don’t miss a dose is a top priority. The company offers package tracking and uses discreet packaging to help prevent theft. If a theft were to happen, Awtry advises customers to contact the pharmacy right away, report the theft to their prescribing doctor, and local law enforcement.
A Lost Prescription Replaced
In the case of Carmen Peterson, the experience of having her son’s medication stolen was not only frustrating but also stressful. However, she was determined to get the medication replaced to prevent Ethan from missing a dose. After being initially denied by her insurer’s pharmacy, Peterson reported the theft everywhere and made noise about it, including on her local news stations. The effort paid off, and Jazz Pharmaceuticals, the company that makes the drug Ethan needs, replaced it for her within a week. The experience highlights the importance of persistence and advocacy in getting the help needed to manage a medical condition.
Conclusion
The story of Carmen Peterson and her son Ethan highlights the growing concern of package theft, particularly when it comes to medication. The complexity of package delivery and the consequences of medication theft make it essential for individuals, pharmacies, and mail-order companies to take steps to prevent theft. By scheduling deliveries for when they’re home, using hidden delivery spots, and considering lockers or requiring signatures, individuals can lower the risk of theft. Pharmacies and mail-order companies must also take steps to prevent theft, including using discreet packaging and offering package tracking. Ultimately, it’s crucial to prioritize the safe delivery of medication to ensure that patients receive the treatment they need to manage their conditions.