Oakland cannabis dispensaries say they lost $ 5 million in recent robberies, demand more protection from city and OPD

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OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) – Cannabis business owners in Oakland are asking for more protection.

After a week in which more than two dozen of their stores and other operations have been targeted by itinerant gangs of sometimes violent thieves, they want the city to step up its efforts, especially with the help of the Oakland Police Department.

“We don’t want to be shot. We don’t want to be killed. Because of the cannabis? It’s more dangerous now than before it was legal,” said Amber Senter, of Supernova Women, a women’s organization. color in cannabis. industry.

RELATED: Oakland Dispensaries Seek Police Help Against Itinerant Thieves

Cannabis business owners in Oakland say they’ve seen enough gangs of itinerant – sometimes violent – thieves looting their stores and expanding their businesses.

“I have to admit I cried because I fear for my business in Oakland,†said John Alston, owner of James Henry in Oakland. “It hurts me to think of alternatives, to move my business. “

Cannabis business owners say they lost more than $ 5 million in proceeds in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.

Along with more police protection, cannabis business owners want immediate relief from the high taxes they say they pay to the city and county.

VIDEO: Dozens of burglars walk through Oakland clothing store in latest Bay Area heist

“It’s important that we look at the tax revenues from the cannabis industry that go to specific resources that support the industry,†said Oakland City Councilor Loren Taylor, “whether that means having a dedicated agent, or more that really troubleshoots or fixes issues on behalf of cannabis companies.

“I guess they’re going to tighten up security and try to work more closely, in the Oakland case, with the Oakland Police Department,” said Rob Selna, an attorney who represents several business owners. of cannabis in Oakland.

Other community leaders argue that a city facing a growing problem of violent crime should not divert any of its scarce police resources from the streets.

“At the moment, cannabis is not the number one priority right now,†said Todd Walker, community activist and youth coach in Oakland. “We need as many police officers as possible on the streets right now because kids think nobody cares about them.”

RELATED: Oakland City Council Members Respond to Police Chief’s Criticism After Violent Weekend

Some cannabis business owners say without more protection they could be forced to leave.

“Indeed, the city of Oakland is pushing us outside,†said Kristi Palmer, owner of Kiva Confections. “Pushing cannabis companies out of its urban limits. “

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