Nadavayal: The theft of raw coffee beans has become rampant in the region with the latest such incident shocking many.

At the coffee farm of Kudiyirikkal Appachan in Neykuppa, unidentified persons `harvested' raw coffee beans without the owner’s knowledge.

The theft came to light when a local resident, alerted by unusual noises made by macaques, rushed to the farm and found three individuals plucking coffee. On being spotted, the culprits fled the scene, abandoning two sacks containing about 15 kilograms of coffee beans.

A police team arrived at the spot soon after being alerted but failed to nab the culprits. It is also reported that in some cases, thieves break the bark of coffee plants to speed up their theft.

Local residents have complained that despite similar incidents being reported in previous years, no arrests have been made so far.