Thefts in California are diversifying, with agriculture recently becoming a target for criminals. A traffic stop in Kingsburg, California, revealed the theft of approximately 500 pounds of grapes valued at $700. On September 24, around 8:00 a.m., Tulare County detectives stopped a Ford Explorer and discovered the truck filled with unpackaged grapes.

Authorities confirmed that the grapes had been stolen from a field located in the area of Ave. 400 and Rd. 84, where they had been cut and stored the previous night. The suspects, identified as Juan Benjamín Ventura, 47, and Dionicio Sandoval, 57, were arrested and face multiple charges, including grand theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and providing false names to officials.

Local farmer Joe del Bosque emphasized the impact these thefts have on the agricultural community, stating, “Anything that is stolen from us means less work for our employees,” he told a media outlet.