Several orchards have been targeted in the East by thieves. Hundreds of kilos of fruit stolen. Worried producers are calling for help.
The tree is severely attacked, half of its branches have been cut: “Instead of breaking the lychees at the end of the branch, they preferred to cut the tree directly. »
For this tree alone, this farmer estimates his losses at several thousand euros. It will not bear fruit next year. A couple last week, a group of 15 people last Saturday, lychee thefts are commonplace in the Rivière des pères sector: “We are starting to be afraid with these young people who arrive in an orchard and who are armed. It changes my job, I didn’t think I would have to do manhunts.”
Every evening, he makes rounds in his orchards until at least 11 p.m. The problem affects all producers. For the unions it is up to the State to act: “I ask the authorities: what are you doing? You have to come and support these farmers, it’s complicated to work during the day and stay on your farm in the evening to monitor”explains Dominique Clain, president of the United Association for Farmers (UPNA).
In just one week, this operator estimates the damage at nearly 10,000 euros in addition to the consequences for the next seasons.
