Shropshire Farmer Addresses Strawberry Theft at 'Pick Your Own' Events
Joe Hamer of Arscott Farm in Shrewsbury has voiced concerns about customers consuming excessive amounts of strawberries without paying during 'pick your own' events. The farm also hosts seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and selecting Christmas trees. Hamer emphasized the need for customers to show respect for his livelihood, likening the situation to theft in a grocery store.
Joe Hamer, who operates Arscott Farm in Shrewsbury, voiced his concerns about customers consuming excessive amounts of strawberries without paying during 'pick your own' events.
The farm, which has been offering these sessions for two years, also hosts seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and selecting Christmas trees.
Hamer observed that some families were eating significantly more strawberries than they paid for, which he found disrespectful and detrimental to his business.
Despite the challenges, employee Ashley Witts mentioned the difficulty of monitoring the activity without turning to surveillance.
Hamer emphasized the need for customers to show respect for his livelihood, likening the situation to theft in a grocery store.
The farm currently maintains four polytunnels of strawberries but has noticed a financial impact due to the dishonest behavior of a few individuals.