In yet another unfortunate incident, a Seattle pot shop has fallen victim to a crash-and-grab burglary, resulting in an estimated loss of around $15,000 worth of products and items. Cannazone Seattle, located on 1st Avenue in the SODO neighborhood, was targeted by five suspects who used a black vehicle to smash through the wall between 3 and 4 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
This is not the first time this particular Cannazone location has been hit by such a crime. Back in October 2023, suspects attempted to break into the store by smashing a vehicle into the front door. However, they were unsuccessful in gaining entry and abandoned the white KIA they used at the scene. Unfortunately, Cannazone Seattle is just one among many cannabis retailers in western Washington that have fallen prey to crash-and-grab burglaries. These incidents involve criminals using vehicles to forcefully enter businesses and make off with valuable merchandise.
In response to these recurring incidents, a bill was proposed during the latest legislative session in Olympia. The bill aimed to add a 12-month sentence enhancement for individuals convicted of a burglary where a vehicle was used to break into a business. However, the bill did not pass.
The owner of Cannazone expressed her frustration and concern over the repeated incidents. She revealed that she has had multiple locations targeted recently and has become all too familiar with the pattern. With a sense of panic, she shared, “It always happens around 3 o’clock. It’s between 3:30 and 4 o’clock every time. So when I get a call around that time, I know my store is getting broken into.”
The series of crash-and-grab burglaries highlights the need for increased security measures and potential legislative action to deter such crimes. Business owners like the owner of Cannazone Seattle face not only financial losses but also the emotional toll of having their establishments repeatedly violated. Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the incident and working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved.