Great pumpkin caper: Thieves steal nearly all the gourds from family farm

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.

An Illinois family farm lost nearly 95 percent of its pumpkin crop after thieves entered the field and stole nearly 200 pumpkins.

Meyers Family Farm, owned by Vicky and Tyler Meyers, is in Capron, about 77 miles northwest of Chicago. The farm planted about 1,000 pumpkins in its first season growing the crop, which was not insured.

The thieves took the farm’s regular orange pumpkins but left specialty varieties that had already been harvested, the farm said in a September 24 Facebook post.

The theft came just before the farm’s first Boone County Farm Stroll, where families had the opportunity to pick pumpkins. The farm canceled pumpkin-picking at the event and said other customers with existing orders would be contacted about refunds.

“Financially, this is not a setback for our farm. We will continue to move forward, learn from this season, and prepare for the next,” the family said. “However, what hurts the most is thinking about the families and children who could have enjoyed these pumpkins, spent time outdoors, and made memories with us and their families.”

The Meyers family said it knows of several other farms around Capron and nearby Poplar Grove where people have entered fields or stolen crops.

“At this point, we’ve been told the individuals may be men around 30 years old and may be driving a silver, four-door truck. Please don’t approach or confront anyone you suspect. Instead, keep an eye out around local farms and report anything suspicious to the appropriate authorities,” the family wrote in a September 25 Facebook update.

The farm received support from other local growers and was ultimately able to participate in the Boone County Farm Stroll after the nearby TJ’s Market and Twisted Root offered to share their pumpkin crops.

“That kindness means more than we can say,” Meyers Family Farm said.

Despite the loss, the farm plans to remain open with specialty pumpkins and other fall crops. Vicky and Tyler Meyers also plan to add security cameras to their property, they told ABC7 WLS.

The Independent has contacted the Meyers Family Farm and Boone County Sheriff's Office for comment.