Israeli Police Arrest Two for Stealing Over a Ton of Watermelons Near Ein HaMifratz

On August 5, Israeli Border Police fighters from the Coastal Region's Settlement Branch arrested two suspects caught in the act of stealing over one ton (1,014.5 kg) of watermelons from an agricultural field near Ein HaMifratz. The suspects were discovered after a farmer reported that a large herd of approximately 300 sheep had trespassed on his land, causing significant damage to his crops. The police set up surveillance and soon observed the suspects picking watermelons and loading them into a vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, authorities found the large quantity of stolen watermelons. The damage to the farmer's produce was estimated at thousands of shekels, factoring in both the stolen fruit and the harm caused by the sheep. One suspect was identified as a Palestinian resident of the territories staying in Israel without a permit, while the other was suspected of employing and transporting him, as well as facilitating the trespass and theft. The owner of the sheep herd received an administrative fine of 150,000 shekels for allowing the animals to enter the farmland. The vehicle used in the crime was also confiscated.

Following their arrest, the two suspects were interrogated by the Border Police's central unit and subsequently indicted for the offenses. The Border Police emphasized that their efforts to combat agricultural crime continue to protect farmers and their produce from theft, trespassing, and damage.