Looters Target California Pot Shops, Steal $5 Million Of Product

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After a year of increasing retail thefts across the San Francisco Bay Area, thieves are becoming more brazen as they unleash 'flash mob' lootings at high-end retail stores. Criminal gangs have also begun to target marijuana businesses.

According to the nonprofit group Supernova Women, criminal gangs targeted at least 15 licensed cannabis businesses in November, "vandalizing stores and offices, and stealing products worth millions of dollars."

Cannabis companies impacted by the spate of robberies are requesting state and local government agencies for financial help.

"All types of licensed cannabis business were impacted: cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail (delivery and storefronts). Cumulatively, these small and mostly Equity-licensed businesses are now faced with over $5 million in losses," said Supernova Women.

One businesses owner told MJBizDaily that he "knows of 25 or so businesses that got hit" by smash and grab robberies last month.

"I know 25 or so businesses that got hit … and out of all those, the percentage I know that told me that they may not be able to reopen is about 50%," said Tucky Blunt, the owner of Oakland cannabis shop Blunts and Moore. He said his shop was one of those robbed, adding that gangs believe marijuana businesses are sitting on boatloads of cash.

"People think we're sitting on millions and millions of dollars," Blunt said. "We don't have that.