Vegetable thefts rise as hot weather, rain send prices soaring

Raids on vegetable farms and greenhouses are rising. Yonhap

By Jung Hae-myoung

Thefts of vegetables and crops from farms and greenhouses are increasing after produce prices skyrocketed due to the long hot spell and heavy rain this summer.

According to the North Chungcheong Police Agency, 11 thefts were reported from July to August this year, double the number reported from January to June.

Prices for agricultural products have increased 7 percent compared to last year. They have risen significantly for rice (33.4 percent), pepper powder (44.2 percent), watermelon (31.1 percent) and peaches (29 percent).

A man, 63, was recently arrested for stealing crops. In June, a man, 61, was jailed for stealing rice, beans and sesame. He also stole crops from 12 places.