A massive tangerine theft shocked a farm on Jeju Island when thieves stole the entire harvest overnight. The Bongae-dong farm, covering 56,000 square meters, was found empty by the owner on Monday morning. She said she initially thought she had entered the wrong field, as all the tangerines were gone and only green branches remained.
Police quickly identified a suspect in his 50s. He admitted to directing nine workers who harvested the orchard in a single day. The farm had expected about three tons of tangerines this year, representing a significant financial loss. Meanwhile, market data shows that the average wholesale price of tangerines across nine major markets reached 13,000 won per five kilograms, up 7.4 percent from last year.
This theft highlights a growing problem on Jeju Island. Over the past three years, about 70 cases of agricultural theft have been reported. Many farms lack surveillance cameras, which makes tracking suspects difficult. As a result, the arrest rate remains below 50 percent.
In response, the Jeju Provincial Police Agency urged farmers to avoid leaving crops in the field. They recommended storing produce in locked, camera-equipped facilities. Authorities stressed that such precautions are vital during harvest season. Additionally, local agricultural groups called for stronger cooperation with police to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
The case emphasizes how rising crop prices and limited security make farms vulnerable. Officials continue to investigate the incident and hope to recover the stolen tangerines. The tangerine theft serves as a warning to the farming community about the need for vigilance, preventive planning, and effective security measures.
