Pulpally: Amidst a continuing struggle by the farmers to protect their crops from wild animals and other challenges, gangs of thieves are prowling the region at night, targeting produce with alarming regularity.

Across most villages here, these gangs have been stealing crops such as coconut, tapioca, areca nut, pepper, and banana bunches. In the Veliyambam and Moozhimala areas, the thefts are carried out by gangs that also include women and children.

In coconut farms, a few members of the gang climb coconut trees to pluck the fruits, while those waiting below immediately de-husk them and load them into sacks. Alarmingly, these gangs are not sparing coconuts that have yet to ripen. Recently, a farmer from Kolarattukunnu managed to catch a thief in the act, but the culprit was forcibly released after threats from other gang members.

In another incident, tapioca and purple yams grown by Shaji, a resident of Kappiset, were stolen during the night. Shaji cultivates these crops on leased land from the SNDP near Pulpally Town. The thieves made off with about 30 roots of tapioca and purple yam each. Following the theft, Shaji has now lodged a police complaint.

The problem, meanwhile, extends beyond crops. In the past week alone, around ten motor sets have been stolen across Alahur, Pallithazhe, and Kacherimukku. These motor sets, installed in wells, ponds and stream banks for irrigation purposes, disappeared without notice during the monsoon season. The thefts came to light only after farmers tried to irrigate their fields once the rains subsided. Upon inspection, they found the motor sets had been stolen after pipes and power connections were cut.

Similarly, a motorset installed in a quarry pond owned by Kuzhuppimalil Benny was stolen. Benny has also reported the theft of natural rubber latex stored in his house, along with vessels, on two separate occasions. Theft complaints have also been filed by Kavalakkattu Thomas. In addition, there are reports of motor sets being stolen from installations along the banks of the Mudhallithodu stream.