There has been a massive surge in criminal activity in New Zealand due to a poor avocado harvest.
According to reports by The Guardian, in the last 6 months, there have been 40 large-scale thefts from avocado orchards in the north island of New Zealand. Up to 350 fruits are being stolen at a time.
The hipster staple are worth about NZ$4-6 each and the previous poor season has resulted in increased demand across the country.
According to the report, the thefts take place in the depth of the night with the crop either “raked” from the tree and collected in blankets or sheets on the ground, or hand-picked and driven away to pop-up road-side stalls.
Sergeant Aaron Fraser warns buyers of the dangers of the stole fruit.
“These stolen avocados can carry risks,” he said.
“They are unripe, some have been sprayed recently and they may still carry toxins on the skin. But with the prices so high at the moment, the potential for profit is a strong inducement for certain individuals.”
CEO of New Zealand Avocado Jen Scoular reiterates the concern.
“It’s an easy way to make a quick buck, but I don’t think we are dealing with a sophisticated or highly organised operation here, more opportunistic,” she said.
“This stolen fruit will only have made it to the local markets, it would never reach our export markets.”
