TWO people who raided a Mareeba farm and picked lychees without permission have been charged with stealing offences.
Police will allege the offenders accessed the farm and picked lychees from an area that was not visible from the roadway.
A witness who observed the theft recorded the number plate of a vehicle at the scene and noted the appearance of the pickers which was then passed on to the farmer, who notified police.
As part of the investigation, detectives attended a Kuranda residence and recovered a quantity of lychees and other items resulting in a man, 24, and woman, 25, being charged with a number of offences including stealing and trespass offences.
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Mareeba Major and Organised Crime Squad rural detective, Michael Hinchcliffe, said the behaviour would not be tolerated.
"Farmers and property owners have a right to peaceably conduct their farming business without fear that some people in the community will disregard their exclusive rights over their properties," Det Hinchcliffe said.
"Just because their 'backyards' are bigger than the usual backyard in town, it does not diminish the rights of property owners over their properties."
Det Hinchcliffe encouraged all property owners to report rural crime or report suspect behaviour in the region.
The man and woman are expected to appear in the Mareeba Magistrates Court on February 10, 2020.
