2,000 bunches of grapes stolen from Yamanashi farm

Wednesday 26th August, 08:12 AM JST

YAMANASHI —

Police said Tuesday that about 2,000 bunches of grapes were stolen from a vineyard on the outskirts of Koshu City in Yamanashi Prefecture. Police said the grapes, a special variety known as Dark Ridge, were estimated to be worth 5 million yen.

The owner of the vineyards reported the theft about 3:30 Tuesday afternoon. According to the prefectural fruit and foodstuffs distribution office, not many farmers in Yamanashi grow the Dark Ridge variety of grapes. The crop was planned for harvest at the end of the month.

News reports

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Latest 15 of 22 Total Comments Show All

bobbafett at 10:15 AM JST - 26th August

ahem, a case of sour grapes perhaps?
noborito at 10:20 AM JST - 26th August

With the crazy prices of fruit in Japan, can you wonder why someone would steal them. I hope they are selling them cheaper.
Weasel at 10:20 AM JST - 26th August

My god. Stealing grapes. What has this world come to.
Rugbyfan at 10:36 AM JST - 26th August

To steal 2000 bunches of grapes must have taken quite some time and quite a few people, wouldn't it? How can this happen without any of the neighbours not seeing the thieves? And as "bobbafett" said, how would you transport such a large amount of produce? I'm quite sure the thieves will be caught, because, also how would you sell them without a lot of people knowing about the sale?
Sidwarwick at 10:39 AM JST - 26th August

The Yamanashi police need to solve this one to prove their raisin d'être. They are currantly investigating.
Altria at 10:48 AM JST - 26th August

Must be the recession bringing out this nouveau breed of criminal. Stealing grapes is definitely bordeauxing on desperation.
Statistician at 11:38 AM JST - 26th August

Police are looking for some tired French peasants with grape juice stains between their toes.
Mittsu at 12:05 PM JST - 26th August

Possibly UFO's/aliens? would explain how they disappeared with no witnesses.
Disillusioned at 12:32 PM JST - 26th August

The police are looking for a 40' tall purple gorilla named, Grape Ape.
dishdash at 02:31 PM JST - 26th August

I thought to myself at first - whats the big deal grapes. Then I read 5 million yen! and then thought Crikey! But I wonder how the hell they did it? Thats an awful lot of grapes and then being that expensive you wouldnt want to bruise them and then its not like 2,000 bunches is a small amount.....interesting desho.....
kavikahi at 03:27 PM JST - 26th August

Crimes like this are terrible and should carry with them stiff and harsh punishment. Theft of the farmers time, monetary investment and the fact they (grapes) are food is truly a theft of life.
illsayit at 04:07 PM JST - 26th August

While I agree that it is a waste, maybe the culprit is closer to home? Someone who wants to make a point about money?
Ranger_Miffy at 04:12 PM JST - 26th August

What a grape bunch of comments! :-D
Betting at 10:31 AM JST - 27th August

We would all be very grapeful if these silly grape comments would stop.

Anyway, back to reality, I think it would be very difficult to sell 2000 bunches of grapes. And I heard about that ... on the grapevine.
Ranger_Miffy at 12:14 PM JST - 29th August

Let's not be ungrapeful for much needed humor...