Central California thief steals nearly $400,000 worth of walnuts as crops’ prices soar

ESCALON, Calif. – Authorities in California are looking for the thieves who made off with 140,000 pounds (63,500 kilograms) of walnuts.

The theft, estimated at nearly $400,000, occurred Sunday in the small town of Escalon. Investigators say it was one of the biggest to hit the booming industry. Last month, about 12,000 pounds (5,440 kilograms) of walnuts worth $50,000 were stolen from a trailer parked on a highway.

This time several truckloads of walnuts were taken from the facility. Authorities say rising prices — about $2 per pound — is what appears to be driving the recent walnut thefts.

No arrests have yet been made.

Walnuts are California’s fourth-leading agricultural export. China remains the world’s leading producer of walnuts.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles