Farmers "powerless"

Thieves sneak into the fields at night with headlamps

Farmer Jandl and his wife grow 14 varieties of potatoes on six hectares. He is annoyed by night-time thieves.(Bild: zVg)

The rampant "self-service" in the fields and gardens is costing many farmers their nerves. Two families from St. Florian near Linz, who produce potatoes and pumpkins, are particularly affected. They are extremely annoyed by painless thieves who even sneak into the fields at night.

In recent weeks, there has been an increase in the theft of potatoes. But fruit from the orchard is also being plucked directly from the tree. "If you speak to passers-by and point out that the fruit is not common property, you are met with a lack of understanding and responses such as 'There's nothing fenced in'," says part-time farmer Michael Jandl (39) from St. Florian near Linz, who is extremely annoyed by the uninvited "customers".