Farmer in Hatay begins overnight watch to protect watermelon crops from theft

Hasan Yumuşak, a farmer in the Kumlu district of Hatay, has begun keeping overnight watch in his watermelon fields to protect his crops from recurring theft.

After five months of labor, Yumuşak attempted to deter thieves by placing a sign in his field that reads, ‘Allah says avoid what is forbidden.’ Despite this appeal, the thefts have continued, with some individuals reportedly stealing produce to sell elsewhere. Due to the proximity of the fields to the road, the farmer noted that theft occurs frequently, sometimes even in plain sight. Yumuşak stated that he would rather give the produce to those who ask for it than have it stolen.