A recent dispensary burglary in Adelanto has sparked renewed concerns about security and theft in the cannabis industry. On August 3, 2025, at approximately 7:49 a.m., deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to a reported trespassing at a marijuana dispensary located in the 9200 block of Holly Road. What began as a routine call quickly turned into an active dispensary burglary investigation.
Deputies arrived on the scene to find that the suspect had already fled. After gathering evidence and witness statements, they identified the individual as 33-year-old Lorena Arriola. According to officials, Arriola unlawfully entered the dispensary and stole property from the business, which led to the classification of the crime as a dispensary burglary.
This dispensary burglary is one of several incidents reported in California over the past year, highlighting a troubling trend that legal cannabis operators are being increasingly targeted. Cannabis businesses, particularly dispensaries, often handle large amounts of product and cash, making them attractive targets for criminals. Security remains a major concern despite heavy regulations and surveillance requirements.
Although Arriola fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, deputies were able to locate and arrest her shortly after the incident. She was booked at the High Desert Detention Center and charged with second-degree burglary under California Penal Code 459(2ND).
The dispensary burglary has raised questions about whether more robust preventive measures should be required for cannabis businesses, especially in vulnerable areas. Many dispensaries are already under pressure to comply with complex security protocols, but this latest incident serves as a reminder that even those measures may not be enough.
This is not the first dispensary burglary reported in the High Desert region, and unfortunately, it may not be the last. With the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, dispensaries across California—and particularly in areas like Adelanto—are seeing an uptick in crime targeting their operations.
Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. Anyone with knowledge about the dispensary burglary is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Community cooperation remains critical in holding offenders accountable and deterring future crimes.
As the legal cannabis market continues to expand, business owners and local law enforcement agencies must work together to address the rising number of dispensary burglary cases. Enhancing security, improving surveillance systems, and increasing police visibility may help prevent future incidents.
In the wake of this dispensary burglary, the cannabis community in Adelanto is once again reminded of the risks and challenges that come with operating in the still-evolving legal marijuana space. While regulations exist to ensure safety and transparency, they must be continuously evaluated and strengthened to respond to real-world threats.
For now, the dispensary burglary case involving Lorena Arriola serves as a sobering example of why security remains a top priority for cannabis businesses throughout California.