Marijuana businesses in the Denver, Colorado area have serious concerns about thieves targeting dispensaries. In 2019, 122 burglaries and five robberies were reported, which is up from the prior year that had 120 burglaries but only one robbery. In 2017, there were just 83 burglaries, half the 169 that Denver-based dispensaries reported in 2016. Burglary involves a person illegally entering a building whereas robbery means the perpetrator uses force or fear to take something of value.
Not only is the crime targeting dispensaries rising, but police noticed a recent escalation, as thieves held multiple employees at gunpoint during a robbery at a Native Roots location last month.