An Ohio orchard has gone viral after a family attempted to steal $300 (£230) worth of apples. Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala, east of Columbus, shared a Facebook post that gained millions of views, detailing how the family hid apples around their spare tyre, under children, and in the glove box.
Owner Andy Lynd told ABC 6 that the farm, family-owned for five generations, has seen an increase in thefts as apple-picking season begins. Customers drive onto the property and park before picking apples, but some have been taking advantage. The farm now plans to employ undercover security for the rest of the season.
On September 1, the farm posted: 'Hiding $300 of apples around your spare tire, under your kids, in your glove box and under your seat is not the way to handle it!' They reported four thefts that day, three of which involved about $25 worth of apples. The farm declined to press charges but made the offenders pay for the produce.
Some customers have expressed sympathy, with one person leaving an extra $20 to apologise for the theft. Others criticised the thieves, with one saying, 'It kind of ruins the fun for everybody.' Another commented, 'That’s $300 in apples! Holy smokes I’m going to Kroger!'
The farm plans to install extra signage and have staff ask customers if they need more bags to ensure they only take what they pay for. Lynd said, 'They’ll let their presence be known, and then they’ll ask do you need a couple more bags to put your apples in?'
