How to Prevent “Wildings” at Your Cannabis Dispensary

In the past few years, retail stores across the United States have seen an influx in crime involving groups conducting smash and grab lootings, also known as “wildings.” Cannabis dispensaries have not been immune to these crimes and many of these “wildings” occurred in California. In most cases, the incidents were over in a matter of minutes – with looters sometimes taking off with both cannabis and cash.

Though a “wilding” can be difficult to respond to, there are steps that cannabis dispensary owners can take to protect their properties, people, and products.

What is a “Wilding”?

The term “wilding” was first used in New York City after a string of violent assaults that took place in Central Park in 1989. According to the LA Times, the crimes were committed by people who simply had “nothing better to do.”

In the most basic sense, a wilding is a random violent incident conducted by a group of people that may involve looting, assault, or other crimes. As such, when criminals “go wilding” and loot cannabis dispensaries, there is no formulated plan to rob the building. Rather, they just happen across the store during a violent rampage.

In previous cases, if the retail location is open and unlocked, the group will rush into the store all at once, effectively overwhelming any security presence on-site. If the store is closed, the group may smash or drive their vehicles through the storefront. Once inside, the group will grab anything of value before quickly exiting the premises – oftentimes before police are able to respond.

“Wildings” and Looting at Cannabis Dispensaries

Smash and grab looting is a particular type of crime that combines wilding with retail theft. The basic idea behind smash and grab looting is that criminals smash through some type of barrier and commence to pillage the store. More often than not, smash and grab looting occurs when people break a large window, then make their way into the building.

Cannabis dispensaries in both San Francisco and Oakland have experienced looting as recently as fall 2021. Some of the dispensaries in the San Francisco Bay area, were hit hardest by wildings and continue to struggle with these violent incidents. In fact, San Francisco saw over 15 dispensaries looted in November 2021 and lost an estimated $5 million worth of cannabis products. Oakland, California reported similar incidents of wildings and lootings and the police chief stated that “hundreds” of vehicles were involved in targeting cannabis businesses.

After a looting or a wilding, it can be difficult for a cannabis dispensary to recover financially. It can take a considerable amount of time to repair any damage to the facilities and the business will likely need to remain closed during repairs. Losses from theft, damages, and extended closures could put the dispensary out of business if it is not properly prepared.

How Can I Prevent Wilding at My Dispensary?

While you can’t prevent riots and looting, you can be proactive about minimizing the risk at your cannabis dispensary and prepare yourself with an emergency action plan.

The purpose of any emergency plan is to organize actions during a crisis. Your plan should be constructed with every employee and customer’s safety in mind as your first objective, and how to reduce losses to your business as your secondary objective. It is the responsibility of the owner and the management team to evaluate an emergency situation, ensure that appropriate action is taken, determine whether outside support is needed, and summon that support, if necessary. Incidents of “wildings” and lootings are often unpredictable and can turn violent without warning.

You can also take preventative measures with physical security to keep looters from entering your building. Adding visible deterrents such as security guards to let prospective criminals know that the property is well-secured is an excellent way to prevent crime. Dispensary owners can also implement security glass in windows so they cannot be smashed and install bollards or similar in front of points of ingress/egress to prevent a car from driving through the storefront.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of experts and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group know how to secure cannabis dispensaries for any circumstance. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!