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Spain: faced with the soaring price of olive oil, thefts are increasing in Andalusia
Spain: faced with the soaring price of olive oil, thefts are increasing in Andalusia – (France 2)
In Andalusia, in the south of Spain, olive thefts are increasing. The reason is drought, which has more than doubled the price of oil made from this fruit. The authorities have therefore strengthened controls.
In the province of Jaén in Andalusia, in the south of Spain, bikers from the Guardia Civilian slalom between olive fields and track down thieves. Monitoring is done on earth but also in the air, using a drone. Every vehicle that passes in the area is stopped and searched thoroughly. The controls are drastic, as three to four thefts take place every day in the region.
56 tons of olive oil siphoned in 45 minutes
In Spain, olive oil has become a luxury product due to drought. Its price has more than doubled compared to 2023, rising to an average of eight euros per liter. The criminals steal the fruit, but also the olive oil.
A record theft took place at the end of August, in the province of Córdoba, on a family farm. The thieves siphoned off 56 tonnes of olive oil in just 45 minutes. In supermarkets, padlocks, chains and anti-theft devices now protect bottles. Upstream, everyone who arrives at the cooperatives to drop off olives is strictly controlled.
