Security footage captures the suspects during the burglary at The Woods cannabis dispensary.
Early Saturday morning, ‘The Woods,’ a cannabis dispensary co-owned by actors Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher, experienced a smash-and-grab burglary. Five suspects broke the front window, escaped with cannabis products, and remain unidentified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating, and a connection between this incident and another nearby burglary is being explored. Local business owners express concern over increasing security issues faced by cannabis retailers in the area.
West Hollywood – A smash-and-grab burglary occurred early Saturday morning at “The Woods,” a cannabis dispensary co-owned by actors Woody Harrelson and Bill Maher. The incident took place at approximately 4:30 a.m., when five male suspects broke the front window of the establishment, located at 8271 Santa Monica Blvd, to gain entry.
Following the break-in, the suspects fled the scene in a black sedan, carrying stolen cannabis products. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated that deputies responded shortly after the burglary was reported. Security camera footage shows the individuals wearing hoodies and masks as they smashed the window, ransacked the store, and stuffed merchandise into bags before escaping.
The exact value of the stolen items is currently unknown; however, early estimates suggest that the merchandise could be worth between $2,000 and $3,000. This incident follows an attempted burglary just two days earlier at Erba Markets, another cannabis dispensary associated with the founders of The Woods. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed a connection between the two incidents.
The burglary at The Woods was notably brazen, as the suspects operated in the early morning hours and appeared to be organized. Upon breaking the front window, they quickly gathered products and left the scene. Observers noted that one of the suspects appeared to be a child, which has raised concerns among local owners and the community.
Security footage of the break-in was later shared on social media by Elliot Lewis, another local cannabis store owner. The footage depicts the suspects in action, illustrating the growing concern about security issues facing cannabis retailers in the region.
Michael Berman, co-owner of The Woods, expressed shock over the incident. The business features a cannabis consumption lounge with private smoking cabanas, a bar selling cannabis-infused drinks, and a themed area known as the “Ganja Giggle Garden,” which opened in 2022. The establishment spans 8,000 square feet, underscoring its significant investment in the cannabis retail sector.
Two days before the break-in at The Woods, a security guard reportedly fired shots at suspects attempting to break into Erba Markets; however, it remains unclear if anyone was injured in that incident. The possibility of a connection between these two events has raised alarms within the local business community.
The rise in organized burglary cases, particularly in cannabis dispensaries, has become a pressing concern for law enforcement and business owners alike. While cannabis remains a legal product in many regions, the high-value nature of cannabis goods makes them attractive targets for thieves. Local authorities continue to analyze crime trends and work on strategies to enhance security measures for cannabis-related businesses.
As the investigation into the burglary at The Woods progresses, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the suspects or the incident to come forward. The community remains vigilant against a backdrop of increasing crime targeting cannabis retailers, highlighting the need for improved security measures and collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement.
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