Due to rising avocado prices, there has been an increase in the amount of thefts in New Zealand. Orchardists are doing all they can to prevent people from stealing their fruit. According to the New Zealand Avocado Growers Association, harvest volumes this month were down to around half that for the previous season. This decrease affected the average retail prices of avocados, which may be causing an increase in thefts.
Avocado Industry Council chief executive Jen Scoular said, "We are providing signage to say that avocado theft is punishable, trying to prevent it from happening in the first place." She said the orchards that are being targeted are the most accessible from the road or easy to drive into.
Tvnz.co.nz reported how Miss Scoular said in some cases vans and trucks driving into orchards just "wack" the avocados from the tree onto a blanket or duvet cover and put it into the back of the vehicle and take away a couple of crates full.
