CVS Health uses innovative technology to prevent pharmaceutical theft

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — CVS Health announced Wednesday that time delay safe technology will be installed in 800 CVS Pharmacy locations.

The safes are expected to prevent robberies as well as the associated diversion of controlled substance medications, including opioids.

This innovative technology will electronically delay the time it takes for employees to open the safe. The time delay can not be overridden.

This function is viewed as a potential deterrent to someone whose aim is to quickly commit a robbery.

“Time delay safes can help reduce the theft and diversion of prescription medications and bring added security to our stores which creates a safer environment for our customers, colleagues, and communities,” said Thomas Moriarty, chief policy officer and general counsel at CVS Health.

The time delay safe technology was first used by CVS Health in 2015 in Indianapolis, a city that was experiencing high rates of pharmacy robberies.

The company saw a 70% decrease in pharmacy robberies in Indianapolis stores that had the technology installed.

Of the 800 locations having this new technology installed, 66 of them are in Rhode Island.