In a spate of incidents, thieves have resorted to extreme tactics to target cannabis businesses in West Oakland, including the bold use of a forklift to break into properties, catching security and business owners off guard. Oakland police are currently investigating three separate crimes against these establishments, but already, the ramifications are far-reaching and concerning to everyone, with one business manager even wondering aloud, "What's next? Are they going to bring a crane?"
In one instance, surveillance footage obtained by KTVU's Dave Detling captured an individual walking past a cannabis microbusiness on Union Street before stopping to pose as a lookout. Shortly after, a forklift appeared, turning onto the sidewalk and making its way toward the business entrance. As the forklift broke into the property, another person wearing a blue jacket crawled under the gate and then crawled back out. Business manager Chris Castle expressed disbelief at the aggressive tactics used by the criminals, and noted that his business had already experienced a number of attempted break-ins since February.
“What’s next? Are they going to bring a crane or some other piece of equipment?”
— Dave Detling (@DaveKTVU) June 20, 2023
Criminals target a West Oakland micro grow business.
The individuals cased the area and then used a forklift.
This type of equipment is typically used to lift shipping containers. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/I62L6XJYS2
While significant preventative measures have been put into place, including the presence of an armed guard, it seems that these tactics are not enough to deter the bold criminals. In the aforementioned case, the thieves audaciously drove a forklift down and into the building around 1 a.m., utterly evading the already beefed-up security measures. Castle mentioned talking to security experts with decades of experience who had never seen anything quite like this, and asked, "Where did they even get the equipment from?"
The Union Street location was not the only target in this spree of unique break-ins. Another cannabis store in the 4400 block of Telegraph Avenue was also hit around 3:30 a.m., according to a 911 call. Four individuals managed to gain access to the store while one person acted as a lookout. While it remains unclear whether anything was stolen, the store filed a police report and declined to comment further.
These alarming incidents have left many within the Bay Area cannabis industry feeling vulnerable. Castle voiced his concerns, stating that crimes like these could potentially put businesses like his out of operation. Heavy taxation coupled with the need for increased security measures leaves many wondering about the financial sustainability of their businesses, and whether they may need even more help to stay afloat.
Castle also expressed his gratitude for the police response on Tuesday, but the looming fear of another attempted break-in is ever-present as he ponders what the gutsy criminals might do next - whether it be employing cranes or other heavy machinery to carry out their heists. With Oakland police investigating all three incidents, they urge anyone with any information to come forward and assist in apprehending those responsible for these out-of-the-ordinary crimes.
