This post was published 3 years 9 months 3 days ago which may make its actuality or expire date not be valid anymore. This site is not responsible for any misunderstanding.

No joke. Bananas are a rare commodity throughout Australia as Cyclone Larry rips through the countryside – more specifically, through banana plantations. The particular issue store owners and customers alike are facing? $200 for a single bundle of banana’s.

Since Cyclone Larry devastated the Australian banana crop in March, knocking over 85 per cent of the plantations, prices have gone up fivefold, with the fruit so scarce that it has vanished from some supermarkets.

That has tempted enterprising thieves to become banana rustlers, targeting unguarded plantations in night raids. A large bunch cut from a tree can fetch up to A$200 (£80), up from A$45 three months ago.

Urban thieves are also targeting shops, so that one fruiterer in Victoria has posted a sign on his window reading: “No bananas are kept on these premises overnight.�

As if the police had nothing better to do, they now have to chase banana thieves. Where’s curious George when you need him?