 In Michigan, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of robberies committed against cannabis delivery drivers. Law enforcement in the state have been working to contain the issue, begining with an alert advisory on the situation that was published by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency.
The Macomb Daily reported that authorities are particularly concerned about this rise in crime in the Detroit metropolitan area, with burglaries increasing since the beginning of December 2022. The thefts have frequently taken place at homes during delivery. There have been some armed robberies, and some where drivers have been beaten and their cars taken. The Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency advisory stated that their administrative rules require that licensees and applicants must, “notify [their agency] and local law enforcement authorities within 24 hours of … the theft or loss of any product or criminal activity at the marijuana business.” Besides delivery drivers, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency said there have been 117 break-ins at cannabis businesses between April and November 2022. Those were primarily at adult-use stores, rather than medical dispensaries. At those businesses, the Agency said there were similar tactics used: Suspects park their vehicles in the furthest part of the parking lot, or across the street. They tend to use a tool such as a hammer or crowbar to enter the back door, but in some cases have also entered directly through the front. They grab as much as they can and get out quickly. Most of these break-ins took place between 12 a.m. and 7 a.m. Oregon and Washington state have also reported a surge in cannabis burglaries as well, with Washington state in particular having a huge increase during 2022. Washington Sen. Patty Murray said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press, “It makes absolutely no sense that legal businesses are being forced to operate entirely in cash, and it’s dangerous—and sometimes even fatal—for employees behind the register.” Comments are closed.
|
RSS Feed