Two people have been arrested following a number of avocado thefts in the Western Bay of Plenty.

A police media spokesperson says in the past two months Tauranga Police have responded to a number of thefts at rural addresses in Western Bay of Plenty including Te Puke, Welcome Bay, Bethlehem, Te Puna and Katikati.

'Police have made arrests for some of these offences including the arrest of an organised receiver who was purchasing the avocados from burglary offenders.

Two Tauranga residents, a 23-year-old man facing two burglary charges, and a 27-year-old woman facing three burglary charges, will appear in Tauranga District Court in September.

A 63-year-old local man will also be appearing in Tauranga District Court this month on two charges of receiving property, says police.

'These arrests were made with the assistance of victims and witnesses who acted quickly in reporting suspicious activity to Police.

'Police hope people will continue to report suspicious vehicles and activity in orchard areas during the day or night.

'The avocados are believed to have been on sold by the receiver.

'Police also request people who purchase avocados ensure they know the source of the fruit and keep records of their purchases.

'Burglary and receiving stolen property are serious offences and Police will be prosecuting offenders identified for the theft and receiving of stolen avocados.”

The news follows on the back of another theft, which occurred at an orchard near Te Puke.

A worker says he witnessed an avocado thief 'green-handed' in the act, and believes it had been a targeted attack.