FUKUOKA - A wave of pear thefts has prompted police and farmers to strengthen patrols as growers warn that stolen fruit is likely being resold online or from roadside vehicles. In Fukuoka Prefecture, orchard owner Hiroki Sasaki said he had decided to abandon pear farming after 5,000 Kosui pears worth about 2 million yen were stolen. More than 500 pears were stolen from his orchard six years ago. Questions remain over where the stolen pears are ultimately sold. Horiguchi said unusually unripe or undersized pears could be a sign that the fruit had been taken before the proper harvest period.