In a statement, the National Republican Guard (GNR) revealed that, following two thefts on agricultural farms, located in the Alentejo municipality, they carried out several police measures.

The GNR operation, between Monday and Wednesday, culminated in the identification of the suspect, as well as the recovery of stolen agricultural products, which included 1,000 kilos of melon, 60 kilos of watermelon, and a vehicle.

"Following the action, the recovered products were returned to their legitimate owners," said the GNR.

More police

On Wednesday, the Ferreira do Alentejo Chamber asked for a reinforcement of GNR policing and inspection by the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE) to combat recurring thefts of melon and watermelon in the municipality's agricultural fields.

Farmers "can't take this anymore, they are getting stressed by this recurring situation and are asking for help and it is necessary for the competent authorities to intervene", the mayor of the municipality, Luís Pita Ameixa, told the Lusa agency.

Noting that, at this time, the melon and watermelon harvest is taking place, the mayor argued that farmers are worried about "individuals or groups of individuals who attack the melon fields, stealing and destroying the fruit".