The Reef pot shop in Capitol Hill was the target of a smash-and-grab burglary early Friday morning, leaving its storefront severely damaged. Thieves crashed a vehicle into the shop's front door around 3:30 AM, prompting multiple 911 calls from the public. Witnesses reported that a group dressed in black, carrying orange bags, fled the scene in two SUVs—one black and one red—after the attempted heist. This incident underscores an alarming trend of thefts plaguing Seattle's cannabis industry, which is particularly vulnerable due to federal cash-only sales regulations. Just an hour later, another vehicle was reported to have crashed into a different pot shop in SoDo, further highlighting the city's ongoing crime wave.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the installation of sidewalk bollards at The Reef may have prevented even greater damage. As the local cannabis community faces these challenges, the need for enhanced security measures becomes increasingly urgent. Seattle's efforts to combat these crimes will be critical in ensuring the safety and viability of its cannabis businesses.