Tacoma cannabis retailers frustrated by repeated break-ins

TACOMA, Wash. — Cannabis retailers in Tacoma are growing frustrated with repeated break-ins by what appears to be the same team of burglars.

Video obtained by KIRO 7 shows burglars using an ax to smash their way into at least three cannabis stores in a span of a few days.

The team hit Green Token cannabis in north Tacoma in the early morning hours of April 21st. Four people ran inside, quickly grabbing all the cannabis products they could in a few seconds. Co-owner Stacy Percival-Birchard said, fortunately, they didn't steal a lot.

“The biggest damage was more or less being closed for two days, having to do a full inventory,” said Percival-Birchard.

Tonight on KIRO 7 at 5:30, the surveillance video police want you to see as they work to track down the burglars. Watch with us on-air or here. 

What appears to be the same group hit the Herbal Gardens in central Tacoma early Monday in the second break-in at that store in less than three days. The thieves didn't get away with much.

“Here at the Herbals Gardens, we lock up all our products,” said Donnie Gagldari. “So there’s nothing out at night.”

Surveillance video obtained by KIRO 7 shows what appears to be the same team of four using an ax to get inside during the early morning hours of April 23rd. One of the burglars exposed her face to the camera during the burglary. Store owners said this was not the first time the group hit this store.

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“This is our second time here at the shop,” said Mary Mart co-owner Damien McDivitt. “Same people, same crew hitting us, same four individuals.”

What appeared to be the same woman was also spotted on surveillance video inside Green Token.

A fifth burglar was spotted on video going into The Herbal Gardens without wearing a mask at all.

Store owners are hoping someone will recognize them and call police. Percival-Birchard said her store has been hit more than once, saying these repeated break-ins are infuriating for cannabis retailers.

“Yeah, yeah. Like come on!” said a frustrated Percival-Birchard.

A Tacoma police spokeswoman told KIRO 7 so far, investigators have not been able to confirm the burglaries were the work of the same people.

Mary Mart is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the thieves.

Cox Media Group