Hospital drug theft reports soar in Minnesota - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A coalition of law enforcement and health officials says reports of drug thefts are soaring at Minnesota hospitals and nursing homes.

A report by the group finds the number of reported incidents in Minnesota has climbed from 24 in 2005 to 52 in 2010.

Experts say it's a reflection of a nationwide surge in prescription-drug abuse -- in many cases by those who care for patients.

The Star Tribune says the report was released Wednesday by the Controlled Substance Diversion Coalition.

The coalition also created a toolkit with "100 best practices" to help facilities reduce the risk of drug theft. Those include surveillance cameras in "high-risk areas," locking up prescription pads and training staff to "speak up" when they suspect someone is stealing.