SEQUIM — A Sequim lavender farm was the recent victim of two burglaries, leaving its new owners without product for the holidays and the 2021 tourism season.
Krishnaveni and Chai Cheruvu purchased Martha Lane Lavender Farm at 371 Martha Lane about a year and a half ago.
Last week, Krishnaveni Cheruvu reported to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office that she and her husband’s essential lavender oil and farm equipment were stolen over two nights.
She estimated about $12,000 in oils and supplies were taken.
“I planned to make products after the distillation and then the theft happened,” Krishnaveni said.
“It’s a heavy impact on my business.”
Friends of the business started a GoFundMe fundraiser at $4,000 to help offset the thefts at gf.me/u/y9c9pw.
Sgt. Brian Knutson said the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office received calls from Krishnaveni on Nov. 16 and 17 about the burglaries.
He said they have a person of interest in the burglaries, but the case remained open as of Tuesday.
Knutson said the essential oils were stored in a secured shed with the lock cut likely sometime on Nov. 15. Cheruvu told law enforcement that a lawnmower, pressure washer and other farm equipment appeared to be stolen the next evening.
Knutson said there wasn’t a conducive surface for fingerprints on the wooden structure or footprints found nearby to gather more evidence.
Screws were removed to access another shed, Knutson said.
Cheruvu said the oils help make lavender soaps, lotions, scrubs, sprays, hand sanitizers, lip balms, bug repellent lotion, syrups, teas and more.
Her friends, through the GoFundMe campaign, wrote that the oil would help Cheruvu fulfill holiday gift orders and 2021 sales particularly during the Sequim Lavender Weekend the third weekend of July.
Knutson said he’s become connected with another source within the lavender farming community who plans to keep him informed if any of Martha Lane Lavender’s products go for sale online.
He said law enforcement discussed options for improving security in the future.
With any tips about the burglaries, call 360-417-2459 or visit clallam.net/Sheriff/tip.html.
For more about Martha Lavender Lavender, visit lavendulaherbalinc.com or facebook.com/marthalanelavender.
To help the farm with the online campaign, visit gf.me/u/y9c9pw.