Avocados target for thieves, black market sales

Eastern District Police are warning people about thieves targeting avocados.

Eastern District Police have issued a warning as avocados are being targeted by thieves.

Police said there had been a number of instances where avocados were stolen and then sold on Facebook and wanted to remind business owners to be wary.

Senior sergeant David Sutherland said if people had an avocado orchard or lived near one they should keep a look out for any suspicious activity and it should be reported to police.

"Also when you are buying avocados whether you are an individual or shop owner make sure you are buying them from a reputable source."

Avocado thieves can potentially be charged with burglary, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

If an individual or shop owner has knowingly purchased stolen avocados, they could potentially be charged with receiving stolen property, which carried a maximum imprisonment of seven years.

Mr Sutherland said as a community it was important to work together to minimise risk to local businesses and to livelihoods.

"Report anything that's out of place or appears suspicious."