Crime Wave Forces Pharmacy Closures on Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is losing more pharmacies due to rising crime rates. Next month, another Duane Reade will close, adding to the already six big-box pharmacies that have shut down in the last year. Residents are worried about longer lines and travel times to get their prescriptions. Andrew Fine, co-vice president of the East 86th Street Association, said the surviving pharmacies are robbed about once an hour. Fine believes crime has increased because the justice system is too lenient, making it easier for criminals to get away with it. An employee at the soon-to-close Duane Reade said they lose more merchandise to theft than what they sell. The crime wave has led to other issues, like increased blight and reduced quality of life. However, smaller pharmacies have seen a boost in business as prescriptions are transferred from the closed big-box stores. Some residents aren't too concerned, believing that new pharmacies will eventually replace the closed ones. Yet, the problem persists, with major drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens announcing plans to close numerous locations nationwide.