Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala is cracking down on apple theft after a series of incidents that have recently challenged the farm's trust-based picking system. Over the last three weeks, the orchard has reported several cases of stolen fruit, with thieves going as far as hiding apples in car compartments to avoid detection. In one of the latest thefts, approximately $400 worth of apples were retrieved, according to the farm's social media post. Citing the situation's gravity, the farm has initiated a new policy, which stipulates that any hidden apples found will lead to an immediate call to the Licking County Sheriff's Office and charges being pressed, as noted by ABC6.
As the apple-picking season at Lynd Fruit Farm continues through October, the staff are taking additional steps to discourage theft. Visible signs have been placed around the property to remind customers of the payment system, and employees have increased their presence within the orchard. "We want to thank the local sheriff’s office for helping us handle these difficult situations," the farm stated in a public acknowledgment of law enforcement's support. Their efforts come after various incidents in whereby people attempted to steal hundreds of dollars’ worth of apples this month, as per a report from WBNS.
Discussing the thefts, Alex Patton, whose family owns Lynd Fruit Farm, expressed his disappointment that a small fraction of the farm's visitors are spoiling the experience for the majority. "Ninety-nine percent of our customers are perfect, great customers," Patton told NBC4i. "They come out here and have a lot of fun. So, we hate for the 1% to kind of ruin things for the 99% that are having a great time, not causing any issues."
