economy.

Even the broccoli is not safe.

Mr. Tom Wadson, who farms 25 acres in Southampton and owns Tom Wadson's Quality Produce, said with Christmas approaching, some thieves will get their hands on food or money any way they can.

"It's not uncommon at all,'' Mr. Wadson said of thefts from the fields. "It seems to be on the increase. Things are tight.'' Most recently, 200 pounds of broccoli were stolen from a garden in Warwick between noon on Saturday and Monday afternoon, Police said.

Mrs. Patty Hill, wife of Mr. Roland Hill, whose Warwick farm the broccoli was stolen from, said the number of thefts "has gone up substantially''.

"There is not much you can do,'' she said.

While he could not provide figures, Police Community Relations Officer Sgt.

John Dale said: "It is likely that in the recession, when times are hard, that persons will steal produce given the opportunity.'' Because the cost of security is prohibitive, "fields in Bermuda have laid open since time immemorial and will continue to,'' he said.

Mr. Wadson, who estimated the stolen broccoli was worth close to $400, said: "There is not a lot you can do. I have people in various places who keep an eye (out for sales of stolen produce), but there is no sense closing the door after the horse has bolted,'' he said.

Mr. Wadson said he has not had a large-scale theft from his farm since a truckload of pumpkins was stolen about five years ago. But petty theft is common and costly, he said.

"It costs you a pile to grow,'' he said of vegetables. "You would not want my monthly labour bill.'' Truckers have always carried weapons they can use in self-defence, but "I see some guys carrying a lot sharper machetes in their trucks now,'' Mr. Wadson said.

Police said the broccoli stolen in Warwick was 3 1 inches or shorter.

According to an Agriculture Department official, the broccoli is too immature to be sold in grocery stores, Police said. Also, they said it will have to be disposed of quickly.

"The thief cannot possibly use such an amount himself before it goes off, so he would either sell it quickly and cheap or just give it away,'' said Sgt.

Dale.

But Mr. Wadson said: "Three and a half inches is a good head'' of broccoli.

And if the thief is a professional, the broccoli can be sold quickly, before it goes bad, said Mr. Wadson.

The pesticide used on the broccoli, called Ambush, is not harmful, Police said.