Early Wednesday morning, a cannabis dispensary in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood fell victim to an attempted smash and grab, leaving the storefront heavily damaged.
According to police reports, officers responded to an alarm around 2 a.m. at the dispensary located in the 4700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle had jumped the curb and crashed through the store’s front window.
Fortunately, no staff or customers were present at the time of the incident. While it remains unclear if any products or cash were stolen, the scene reflected significant property damage.
As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the break-in.
While incidents like these are thankfully uncommon in Illinois, they have become a troubling trend in other states with established cannabis markets like California, Colorado, and Michigan. Due to the cash-heavy nature of the industry and limited banking access, dispensaries often become prime targets for robberies.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder for dispensaries to enhance their security measures, including reinforced windows, bollards, and surveillance systems. Community support and vigilance also play a crucial role in keeping local businesses safe.
At Couch Lock’d, we stand in solidarity with local dispensaries navigating the challenges of operating in this industry. As more details emerge, we’ll continue to keep our community informed.
Stay safe and stay tuned for further updates.
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Source: WGN9
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