Avocado shortage leads to crime spike in New Zealand
File photo.
Digital Reporter
Wednesday, June 15, 2016, 3:46 PM - Avocados are in high demand in New Zealand these days, due in part to wet weather and bush fires last year. That's led to a shortage that has sparked an unusual crime wave.
Since January, there have been nearly 40 large-scale thefts from avocado orchards in northern New Zealand, with thieves taking up to 350 fruit at a time.
The avocados are then showing up in road-side stalls or small-scale sushi and fruit shops in Auckland.
Surging international demand, mixed with a bad growing season, have led to sky-rocketing prices, with a single avocado selling for $3.50 - $5.50 CAD in grocery stores.
Black market avocados appear to be selling for cheaper.
“These stolen avocados can carry risks,” Sergeant Aaron Fraser told The Guardian.
“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.”
Farmers are catching on to the thieves, with some installing automatic lights and alarm systems to protect their crops.
Retailers appear to be taking theft-prevention measures as well:
#avocado prices prompt a new crime prevention sign at Superior Fruit and Wendy's Kitchen at Graceville in Brisbane. pic.twitter.com/iMcOoUHqUb
— Brian Hurst (@hurstb) February 3, 2016
Sources: The BBC | The Guardian
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