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The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate an armed break-in at a marijuana dispensary in the unincorporated Livermore Valley last month.
No injuries were reported in the burglary, which occurred after-hours when no workers were onsite, but sheriff’s officials confirmed more than $7,500 worth of marijuana products were stolen from the storefront of the Garden of Eden. Investigators believe up to nine burglars were involved, including some armed with assault weapons.
“We are thankful for our staff who volunteered to come in to work the same day after an increased security presence. Garden of Eden’s staff have been included in safety improvement buy-ins and training,” said Zoe Schreiber, director of compliance for Eden Enterprises, which also operates a dispensary storefront in Hayward as well as delivery services in select East Bay communities.
“In regards to the details of the incident and the ensuing investigation, we are unable to comment on the ongoing investigation but Garden of Eden has worked diligently with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in a cooperative manner,” Schreiber told the Weekly this week.
The armed burglary occurred at about 3:30 a.m. May 22 at the Garden of Eden, which opened last year on Darcie Kent Vineyards property on Tesla Road in unincorporated Livermore.
“There were approximately nine suspects, armed with assault weapons — about three — and burglary tools. All wore dark clothing and masks. This is an active investigation, so there isn’t much else I can tell you at this point,” Alameda County Sheriff’s Lt. Tya Modeste said.
Modeste confirmed that the burglars targeted the cannabis displays in the storefront area, stealing about $7,600 worth of marijuana products including rosin, cannabutter, powder and more. No cash was reported stolen.
In the days after the burglary, Garden of Eden circulated a statement acknowledging the crime — referring to it as an “extensive vandalism to the business and property” — while thanking sheriff’s investigators for their work and calling on state and local officials to do more to curb retail theft.
“Due to the response of the Alameda County’s Sheriff’s Department and our robust product storage and safety program, minimal product loss occurred and no persons were on site or injured. Interruptions to business business operations were minimal with operations commencing in the afternoon on the same day after law enforcement’s initial investigation was complete,” dispensary officials stated.
“Garden of Eden at the Highlands’s number one priority is to public safety and neighborhood protection and as such has further invested and has implemented additional security measures,” they stated.
“Sadly, this is a part of the growing trend of property crimes targeting grocery stores, retail locations, drug stores and car dealerships. We call on interdepartmental county leadership to support the ACSO’s investigation and bring forth any charges that may arise out of the investigation,” dispensary officials said, adding:
“As a regulated cannabis operator, Garden of Eden at the Highlands stands in solidarity with all those regulated businesses which have been the target and victims of robberies and urges the Department of Cannabis Control and State leadership to continue and enhance their support of local jurisdictions in crime prevention and elevating these types of investigations. California must do more to protect its businesses and those residents who work and are served by them.”
