Armed police battle cherry thieves

Armed police in Bulgaria are using night-vision goggles to catch cherry thieves. The thieves cause nightmares for farmers by raiding their orchards at night, picking most of the fruit and then selling them at markets.

Now authorities have launched a "cherry war", which includes watching farms at night in a bid to protect the valuable crops. The scheme came after farmer Plamen Momchilov was killed by cherry thieves two years ago.



The 46-year-old was beaten to death with sticks and shovel handles as he tried to keep raiders out of his orchard.

Nine thieves were arrested and sentenced to 99 years in prison after confessing to the killing. They are currently free, however, pending an appeal. The attack sparked outrage in the region, prompting authorities to impose this season's tough measures.