400 bunches of Shine Muscat grapes stolen in Tochigi; police step up patrols

About 400 bunches of Shine Muscat grapes — valued at approximately 800,000 yen — were stolen from a farm in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, just before they were ready for harvest, on Wednesday.

The grower called police shortly after 3 p.m. to report the theft, Sankei Shimbun reported.

The grapes were taken from three of the five greenhouses. Police said there were no signs that the greenhouses had been cut into or that locks had been broken.

The owner said he had not checked on the grapes since the evening of July 25.

Police said they are stepping up patrols in the surrounding area. They are also urging fruit and vegetable growers to install security cameras and erect fences and barriers with sensors around their orchards and fields to prevent thefts.

© Japan Today