Rising persimmon prices in Taichung's Fengyuan district have drawn thieves into the orchards, hurting farmers just as the harvest peaks.

• Growers on Gonglaoping have been robbed repeatedly during picking season, and one couple showed up with big bags to help themselves before being chased off.
• Persimmons are fetching about four times what they went for in weak years, making a good crop suddenly worth stealing.
• One farmer put up his own warning sign after a full year of planting, fertilizing, and tending was raided twice.
• Local councilor Hsieh Chih-chung is pushing police to run extra patrols and anti-theft sweeps through the growing area.

Outlook: Police say reports have been filed and officers dispatched, and patrols are likely to stay heavy until the harvest ends.