A shortage of avocados has led to a crime wave in New Zealand thanks to a surge in fruit thefts, it has been claimed.
Increased demand and a lack of supply following a poor harvest last year has led to avocados changing hands for up to £3 each, fuelling a black market.
According to New Zealand Avocado, which represents the country’s growers, there have been around 40 large thefts of the fruit this year, with up to 350 taken at a time.
Thieves swipe the crops at night, load them into vehicles and making deliveries to small fruit shops, sushi outlets or pop-up stalls, it is claimed.
Sergeant Aaron Fraser from Waihi Police told the Guardian he had never seen anything like it.
He warned: “These stolen avocados can carry risks.
“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.”
Avocado farmer Hugh Moore told Radio New Zealand: “From a grower's point of view I'd love to be able to shoot them."
It is hoped that a bumper new season for avocados will lead to more fruit, falling prices and a calming of the crime wave.
MORE ABOUT