Thailand police launch overnight patrols of durian farms to thwart thieves
- The durian-guarding initiative was rolled out after thieves made off with thousands of US dollars worth of the fruits from a farm in Trat province
- Police will now patrol areas around durian farms taking part in the scheme from 6pm to dawn every night until all the fruits have been picked and sold
A police station in the province’s capital district came up with the idea, thought to be the first of its kind in the country, following complaints from farmers that raiders had targeted their crops at night and made off with the ripe fruits.
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Durians sell for staggering price of US$345 per kilogram at a market stall in Thailand
Chief Inspector Ariyachai Thima, who launched the security measure at a farmland where the recent theft happened, said growers had already suffered several million baht in losses.
He said police would bolster supervision of farms that have joined the project, particularly at nighttime when the thieves are on the prowl, The Nation digital newspaper reported.
Under the initiative, devised in partnership with farmers, officers will patrol areas surrounding durian farms from 6pm until dawn every night, only ceasing once all the fruits have been picked and sold.
Ariyachai said he hoped the enhanced protection would ease the worries of farmers who have been beset by other issues hurting their crops, such as drought.
