Cherry thefts cause $2k in losses and damage in San Joaquin County

Cherry growers in San Joaquin County are dealing with the aftermath of two thefts in two days that caused around $2,000 in losses and left long-term damage to orchard trees.

According to KCRA 3 and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, Morada Produce was hit first, with more than $2,000 worth of cherries stolen and significant crop damage reported. “Unfortunately, because of the way the thieves stole the cherries by damaging the trees and breaking the branches, cherries cannot grow on those damaged branches for the next three years,” KCRA reported.

The second theft occurred the next morning at an orchard on East Comstock Road in Linden, where more than $500 worth of cherries were taken. That suspect was also arrested.

“These weren’t random acts,” Sheriff Patrick Withrow told KRCA 3. “We found ledgers inside their car where they had been hitting other fields, other orchards in the area and up and down the state, and then found ledgers where they were selling at different places and making a profit off this.”

The suspects were allegedly reselling the stolen fruit at roadside stands across California. Three people were arrested in the Morada case and booked on felony charges including theft and conspiracy.

“I want people to be aware of this, and I want them to understand,” Withrow said. “Just think if this was your family and you were growing fruits in your front yard and somebody just drove up and stole all your fruits and vegetables … Just because they’re a business doesn’t mean that they can afford to have this type of loss.”

As Contra Costa News reported, the case is part of a larger pattern of agricultural theft affecting producers across county lines. The investigation is ongoing.