UNITED STATES – Although the industry is no stranger to seeing produce in less than conventional roles, it seems there is a new trend on the rise that could have criminals in cuffs over fresh fruit and vegetables yet again; theft of food items and their attempted resale. 

Due to lowered stakes for capture, authorities in several states and regions are reporting that there is a boosting trend for food theft as stolen food is relatively difficult to trace and makes a weighty profit when resold, according to The Eater.

"There's a black market for everything," said New Jersey State Police Officer Olive Sissman at the time of a food-based arrest, according to Channel3000.com. "We've seen everything stolen." 

As criminals make moves towards large hauls of food for re-sale, the industry is also seeing a rise in the theft of the transportation means to move it. Freightwatch International reported that 178 cargo thefts were noted in 2015’s second quarter, with food and beverage goods making up 16 percent of the thefts. 

Some involved with the burgeoning criminal scene have said that lowered punishment might aid with the rising amount of thefts occurring.

"It’s a slap on the wrist," said Rocky Pipkin, President of the Pipkin Detective Agency, in a statement to The Eater. "Even if [thieves] get caught — and very few have gotten caught — unless the Feds get involved and rope up all the people facilitating the transport and such of the large quantities, then it’s grand theft." According to Pipkin, that equals to very little jail time, and sometimes none at all.

Currently, avocados and almonds have seen the most spotlight for stolen fresh produce, which authorities state is in line with the legitimate market as well, but can actually impact consumers' price of wholesomely purchased goods. 

"The theft trends tend to follow the market for any good — not just an agricultural good — and it becomes more of interest to people who want to get their hands on that product illegitimately," stated David Kranz, Manager of Communications/News Division at the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The Eater reported that the Sherriff’s Department of Tulare County stated that any thieves of bulk produce and food are organized and well-versed in the industries which they are stepping in on. 

However, as produce and food-items see an uptick in theft, local authorities are currently working to crack down on the occurances, with a push with the FBI for state legislation to assist as well, according to Sherriff Mike Boudreaux of Tulare County, CA.

As authorities finagle this fine line of fresh produce and food thefts, stay with AndNowUKnow as we give you the latest in industry-related trends and announcements.