A medical marijuana shop owner watched in horror on her computer as thieves stole safes full of stock from her business in a posh area of Los Angeles.
A gang of at least seven burglars struck at her HollyWeed store on the 5100 block of Venice Boulevard, using tools to break down doors.
Owner Didi Chin was alerted by her alarm company and watched on her home computer as she called police.
"(I told them) better come here soon, because someone is robbing my shop... my heart was pounding," Chin said.
It was not long before Los Angeles Police Department officers were swooping on the would-be criminals, who ended up leaving behind almost all their booty, fleeing the scene in newer model white Mercedes MLK.
"(The) police chopper was here, they were shining (a light on the) property," said Chin. "I was able to see it the whole time. They just left the whole thing out on the street and they ran away."
It was a shock for Chin, for while shoplifters often would steal medical marijuana at her old location, they had never attempted to steal her inventory safes.
Police have released surveillance footage of the March 6 heist, which happened at around 4:30 a.m. Cameras show only one of the robbers wore a mask, while the others opted for hoodies and baseball caps.
News
Top news of the day
The LAPD has confirmed officers interrupted the crime the safes were abandoned, though they did not get away completely empty-handed.
"(They got) one tablet. You know, like an iPad," Chin said.
However Chin said she no longer has the same sense of security as she had before.
"I think it's very bad that they came in here because this is a very good place and I feel safe when I come here," Chin said.
