Baton Rouge Baffled by Surge in Avocado Theft

Baton Rouge Baffled by Surge in Avocado TheftBaton Rouge Baffled by Surge in Avocado Theft Residents and law enforcement in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are puzzled by a recent surge in avocado theft. The city has witnessed a spike in reports of stolen avocados from private trees and commercial orchards. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, there have been over 20 reported avocado thefts in the past month. The thefts have occurred at various times of the day and night, and in different parts of the city. Homeowners have expressed dismay over the loss of their prized avocados. “I had a beautiful avocado tree in my backyard, and now it’s been stripped bare,” said Susan Carter, a resident of the Old South Baton Rouge neighborhood. “It’s like someone has stolen a treasure.” Commercial avocado growers are also feeling the impact. “We’ve had to hire extra security to protect our orchard,” said Mark Jones, owner of Jones Family Avocado Farm. “We’re losing thousands of dollars in potential revenue.” Investigators are stumped by the motive behind the thefts. Avocados are not typically considered a high-value target for theft. However, some experts believe the surge in demand for avocados, combined with their relative ease to steal, may be contributing to the problem. “Avocados are a trendy food item, and their price has been steadily increasing in recent years,” said Dr. Rachel Smith, a professor of criminology at Louisiana State University. “This may be making them more desirable to thieves.” The Baton Rouge Police Department is urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity around their avocado trees. They are also working with commercial growers to identify and apprehend those responsible for the thefts. In the meantime, residents are taking measures to protect their avocado trees, such as installing security cameras and motion sensor lights. Some are even forming neighborhood watch groups to monitor their homes and yards. “We’re determined to put a stop to this,” said Carter. “Avocados may not be the most valuable fruit, but they’re a symbol of our community and our way of life.”