Purdue Pharma said today it will use Twitter to fight pharmacy crime by sharing information about pharmacy robberies with law enforcement officials and pharmacy staff.

Pharmacy staff, law enforcement officials and loss prevention personnel can follow updates about pharmacy robberies, burglaries and potential threats in their area and nationwide on Twitter.com/rxpatrol. The tweets provide safety and security tips for pharmacy staff  aimed at helping them better protect customers and their businesses. Followers also receive notices for reward offers that are funded through Purdue's partnership with CrimeStoppers and other local anti-crime organizations.

The tweets provide specific information on robberies and burglaries, including the location of the incident, description of the suspect and any  information that could lead to the capture of a suspect. All information is verified with the local law enforcement before it is released. All tweets direct followers to the incident number in the RxPATROL database so that they may find additional information, including pictures and video of suspects.

The RxPATROL Program tracks and analyzes reports of pharmacy crime across the United States and posts crime related information on its web site. RxPATROL is now using Twitter to instantly deliver pharmacy crime updates and tips to followers via their cell phones. RxPATROL's Twitter followers receive timely pharmacy crime information that is often not reported by the media. 

"Pharmacy crime is a problem in many communities," said RxPATROL Program Coordinator, Captain Richard Conklin. "RxPATROL is using new communication vehicles to help pharmacy staff and law enforcement fight pharmacy crime."