Pataskala, OH – An Ohio orchard has captured national attention after a family was caught attempting to steal $300 worth of apples, leading to a viral social media post and strengthened security measures at the farm.
Lynd Fruit Farm, a beloved family-owned orchard near Columbus, became the center of an online sensation when it revealed that a family tried to flee the property with a car trunk full of unpaid apples. The incident has sparked conversations about theft during the fall apple-picking season and the impact on community farms.
A Family-Owned Farm Faces Unexpected Challenges
Located in Pataskala, Ohio, just 19 miles east of Columbus, Lynd Fruit Farm is a cherished destination for autumn activities, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. Now in its fifth generation of ownership, the farm has seen an unexpected rise in thefts this season as customers prepare for their fall visits.
Owner Andy Lynd spoke with ABC 6 about the thefts and new precautions underway, explaining,
“When people drive to the checkout, they pop their trunk and we look and see. Usually, it’s exactly what they said, but sometimes it’s not that case.”
Due to the increase in thefts, including the recent incident involving $300 worth of apples, the farm is employing undercover security personnel to patrol the orchard for the remainder of the season.
Security Measures and Customer Communication
Lynd Fruit Farm encourages honest customers to feel comfortable picking as many apples as they want, emphasizing that asking for additional bags is preferable to stealing. Their message on Facebook from September 1st reads:
“If you fill your bag but can’t stop picking our delicious apples, don’t be shy! Come talk to our greeters and ask for more bags. Hiding $300 of apples around your spare tire, under your kids, in your glove box and under your seat is not the way to handle it!”
Alongside undercover security, the farm also plans to install extra signage around the property to remind visitors of proper conduct. Lynd added,
“They’ll [the staff] let their presence be known, and then they’ll ask do you need a couple more bags to put your apples in?”
Community Reaction to the Theft
The thefts have left a sour taste among loyal customers who cherish the orchard’s seasonal offerings. Community members expressed frustration over the actions of a few that threaten to spoil the experience for everyone.
- “It kind of ruins the fun for everybody. You don’t need that many apples. Like you’re probably selling those apples or trying to make a profit off of stealing apples,” one customer said.
- “That’s $300 in apples! Holy smokes I’m going to Kroger!” another remarked.
- A third customer noted, “It’s always a few that ruin it for everyone.”
- “Listen, my family loves apples. No idea what we’d do with that many apples. That’s ridiculous,” shared another commentator.
- “How sad people have to ruin a good thing!” reads another response.
Despite the attempts at theft, the farmers chose not to press charges, instead ensuring the offenders paid for their produce. Andy Lynd mentioned,
“Somebody this week, when they checked out, they paid for their apples and they said, ‘Here’s an extra $20. I’m sorry about that theft. This is to help with that.’”
Preserving the Joy of Apple Picking
The Lynd Fruit Farm remains committed to delivering a safe, fun, and honest environment for visitors this fall. With stronger security and community support, the farm hopes to prevent further incidents and keep the apple-picking tradition intact.
For more details on this story, visit the full report at The Independent.
What do you think about this incident at Lynd Fruit Farm? Have you ever experienced apple picking at a local orchard? Share your thoughts in the comments below!