Avocado thieves strike orchards

An avocado thief has struck private orchards throughout the Santa Rosa Valley, making off with thousands of dollars worth of the fruit over the past six months, police said.

Detective Ray Dominguez of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department said many residents in the rural stretch of land between Camarillo and Moorpark have found avocados stripped from the trees on their property.

Dominguez said avocados have become more valuable since January when freezing temperatures destroyed the avocado crops across Ventura County and the state.

Avocado theft has become such a problem in the area, the Camarillo Police Department assigned Dominguez to investigate.

Dominguez said Santa Rosa residents can better protect their trees by installing fences and gates. He also suggested motion-sensor lighting and outdoor cameras.

Residents also should be aware of barking dogs and unusual vehicles, Dominguez said.

- Jeana Diacono