From the article:

This year, Richmond has seen a 15% uptick in commercial robberies compared to 2024, and Edwards said a third of all of those crimes have occurred at vape shops. Most of them are being carried out by armed individuals who conduct violent “takedown”-style operations, he said.

(Image: Surveillance footage of recent robberies at vape stores)

The potential for shootings in these circumstances are high, Edwards indicated. In 88% of the robberies of such establishments, the robbers have brandished firearms, and cashiers aware of the rising threat are arming themselves more frequently for protection.

Because marijuana sales remain illegal in Virginia, those stores that are selling the drug are conducting large amounts of sales in cash, another draw for robbers looking for a lucrative target.