Ventura County deputies arrest 4 suspected thieves arrested with hundreds of lawyers' books

FILLMORE, Calif. (KABC) — Four people from Norwalk were arrested for allegedly stealing hundreds of pounds of avocados from a farm in Fillmore, authorities said.

Deputies responded around 2:40 p.m. Sunday to the 3000 block of Telegraph Road on a report of stolen avocados, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said a detailed description of the farm led to a traffic stop of the suspect vehicle.

“A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of hundreds of pounds of stolen avocados,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.

The suspects were identified as David Melchor, 18; Jesus Pozos, 23 years old; Valentin Pozos, 33 years old; and Epifania Pozos, 37 years old. They were arrested on suspicion of agricultural theft, criminal conspiracy and trespassing, authorities said.

The avocados were returned to the farm.

Area growers told Eyewitness News this isn't the first time thieves have targeted the popular fruit.

Dina Reisman, co-owner of EZE Farm, said avocado crops can be good one year and not so good the next. However, this year's harvest is very good, making it more profitable for farmers.

The avocado industry in Ventura County is worth nearly $250 million a year.

Hayden McIntyre's family owns Sierra Pacific Farms. They were victims of thieves at their Ventura County establishment.

“Four guys, three guys in the middle of the night will pull over on the side of the road at 2 a.m. when everyone is sleeping and pick up a few hundred pounds and sell them on the spot market for $500, $600 . ” McIntyre explained.

Meanwhile, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office has implemented what they call a Farm Watch program – a neighborhood watch for growers to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.