PATASKALA, Ohio — Apple picking season is in full swing at Lynd Fruit Farm, but this year the farm is making some changes to prevent theft.

Each fall, the family-run farm welcomes visitors who take part in the long-standing tradition of picking apples straight from the orchard. The system relies heavily on trust — guests pick apples and pay afterward. But recently, that trust has been tested.

“Our customers drive their cars in [to] the orchard, that’s most convenient for a customer,” said Noah Lynd, owner and manager of Lynd Fruit Farm. “But with that comes people that take advantage of that.”

Over Labor Day weekend, Lynd said four people attempted to take apples without paying. In one case, someone allegedly hid $350 worth of apples in their car.

“But occasionally we have bad apples

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