Apple tree thieves have struck again in Northeast Ohio.
More than 50 new trees, or saplings, were stolen from an orchard in Seville. Now, two more family farms have been hit in Berlin Heights.
About 100 saplings were stolen from Quarry Hills Orchard, and 50 from Malone Orchard.
Ben Gammie, with Quarry Hill, told NewsChannel 5 that it looked like the small trees were quickly yanked from the soil.
"They were just pulled out of the ground, no shovels even used," he said.
Gammie called the thefts disheartening, and explained they were a new variety of tree that will be tough to replace.
"We have to contend with Mother Nature everyday, but you don't ever think of someone stealing your apple trees," Gammie said.
Erie County Sheriff's deputies told NewsChannel 5 they're working with Medina County to track the thieves down. Three Northeast Ohio family farmers really hope they do.
"It takes a lot of work to grow apples. And certainly there's a right way to do this! It doesn't involve stealing trees," Ben Gammie said.
Officials said the same tree trimming crew services all three of the orchards that have been affected.
The Erie and Medina County Sheriff's departments are still investigating.