Farmers are facing a troubling shift in farm theft, with crooks now striking in broad daylight, intensifying fears among workers and forcing authorities to reconsider how they combat the crime.

The issue emerged during an overnight crop patrol involving Minister of Agriculture Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, officers of The Barbados Police Service and the ministry, where talks with farmers revealed that thieves were now targeting fields at all hours.

Chief Agricultural Officer Paul Lucas said the revelation that crops were being stolen during the day underscored how the crime had evolved: