Placer County farmer fights back after repeated fruit thefts hurt his business
- Justin Miller, the owner of Twin Peaks Orchards in Placer County, has faced significant losses due to ongoing fruit thefts.
- The installation of surveillance cameras represents important efforts to combat the issue as incidents have worsened recently.
- Miller is advocating for community respect while collaborating with local farmers to raise awareness and prevent further thefts.
In Placer County, California, Justin Miller, the owner of Twin Peaks Orchards, has been enduring a troubling rise in fruit thefts that threaten the sustainability of his family-run business. Operating since 1912, Twin Peaks Orchards spans 100 acres and produces various fruits and vegetables, playing a crucial role in the local agricultural landscape. Over recent years, Miller has estimated that thousands of dollars worth of fruit have disappeared, with the situation increasingly worsening. Previously, he had not felt the necessity for surveillance, but now he has installed numerous cameras around the property to deter theft. One alarming incident highlighted the disregard for his hard work, where a thief filled bags with fruit and merely tossed $20 to a staff member before fleeing in an SUV. Miller emphasized the impact of these thefts on his workers' livelihoods, noting that even small losses can equate to a day's wages for them, translating a community concern into a personal crisis. Miller's response to this ongoing issue includes collaboration with fellow farmers to spread awareness and strengthen protective measures against such thefts. Despite the frustrations faced, he expressed his desire for community respect, stating a willingness to offer help to those genuinely in need, rather than allowing theft to undermine the efforts of those who labor on the farm. The Placer County Sheriff's Office has acknowledged the challenge of tracking rural property thefts, reminding that California law carries considerable penalties for agricultural theft, classifying it as grand theft when the value exceeds $250. As a cherished business that has remained family-owned for four generations, Twin Peaks Orchards represents more than just agriculture for Miller; it embodies a heritage of hard work, dedication, and community commitment. However, the escalation of thefts presents a significant barrier to the farm's continuity and success. While Miller continues to look for solutions that emphasize community respect and protection of resources, the theft problem raises broader questions about food security, agricultural sustainability, and the moral implications of hunger versus criminal behavior.