Avocado shortage proves ripe for enterprising thieves in New Zealand

If you're in love with anything avocado-related, spare a thought for New Zealanders.

The country has been at the behest of unprecedented price rises on the much-loved fruit, which has resulted in the mass theft of them around the country.

That's according to Avocado New Zealand CEO Jen Scoular, who told Radio New Zealand there have been "30 or 40 incidences" this year reported in the areas of Waikato and Bay of Plenty. 

"They'll put a cloth out or a duvet cover out, they literally rake them from the trees and throw them in the back of a ute and drive off," she said. 

Prices of the fruit have risen to NZ$4.68 (US$3.29) on average in May, compared to NZ$1.64 (US$1.15) the same time last year, according to stuff.co.nz. 

In the latest incident, 350 avocados were stolen last weekend from an orchard in Athenree, Bay of Plenty. Police believe that they are being sold illegally, with a Waikato man suspected of targeting smaller fruit shops and sushi outlets with offers of the forbidden fruit.

"There is someone making a living of stealing avocados and selling them on to the black market," Waihi police Sergeant Aaron Fraser told the publication. "He turns up with a few crate loads of avocados, they probably think he's an orchardist." 

These stolen avocados are actually under ripe, as they are not ready until September or October. They could also carry a risk to people, as some have been sprayed recently and may carry toxins on the skin, according to The Guardian.

The danger to people and themselves is what some thieves are willing to take, as local growers can't keep up with soaring demand. Neighbouring Australia also had a shortage earlier this year, in which a fruit shop declared they didn't carry cash, or the fruit, on premises.

Remember to kiss your avocados at night, because one day they could be gone.

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