TWO people have been arrested after a lorry load of avocados was stolen in the Axarquia.

In total, a record 16,000 kilos of the fruit were taken in the theft near Velez Malaga.

The heist took place in broad daylight and farmers’ association, Asaja, claim the complex operation would have required a large lorry.

The council has now launched a crackdown in conjunction with the police after a number of similar thefts in the area.

Increased controls on transporting, storing and selling of produce have now been imposed.

A producers’ guide is being created that will name all growers, their vehicle license plates, drivers’ names and intended destination.

Asaja confirmed that more than 60,000 kilos of fruit has been stolen this season in Velez-Malaga alone.

The largest ever recorded theft of avocados was 1.4 tonnes stolen in Israel earlier this year.

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