Afraid of theft, producers reinforce security and stop storing coffee and pepper in ES

Harvest season changes producers' routine to avoid losses with livestock, pepper and coffee
Insecurity in the field has changed the routine of rural producers in the North of Espírito Santo, especially during the harvest period for crops such as coffee and black pepper.
Afraid of theft and robbery, farmers began to adopt extra protection measures and even change the way they store their production.
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Data from the Public Security Secretariat (Sesp) show that, last year alone, 44 cases of theft and robbery were recorded in the region. In 2026, there will already be 16 occurrences, 14 of them in rural areas.
In São Mateus, black pepper producer Neomar Pastorini decided to no longer store customers' production after having his property invaded and equipment stolen.
"I talked to the producers and agreed the following: everything I dry, even in the afternoon or the next day, they need to pick up. I provide the service, but I am no longer responsible for storing anything for anyone. There is no how to work in our region in a different way", he said.
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Fear of theft changes producers' routine during harvest in the North of Espírito Santo Santo
TV Gazeta
The producer recalled that the reality in the field was different a few years ago.
"Before, if you left a bag of coffee in the middle of the field, it would sprout inside the bag. Today, within 24 hours they steal it from you", he compared.
According to reports from producers, criminals target products with high commercial value, such as black pepper, coffee and even cattle.
Faced with this scenario, many farmers began to invest in monitoring cameras, guard dogs and greater control of access to properties.
Measures to reduce risks
Aware of the concern and fear of producers, the Public Security Council (Consel) in the region advises the adoption of care when hiring temporary workers during the harvest.
"It is important to identify the worker, check documents and look for references, consult the criminal history. The owner needs to know who is entering the property", advised the president of the ConseI, Edval Sant'Ana.
Fear of theft changes the routine of producers during the harvest in the North of Espírito Santo
TV Gazeta
Another recommendation is to avoid payments in cash, not transport cargo at night and keep machines, implements and equipment stored in closed and protected places.
PM reinforces rural patrolling
To try to avoid incidents and respond to the increase in movement in agricultural areas during the harvest, the Military Police started the Operation in March Harvest 2026.
The action will continue until November 15th and foresees reinforcement of overt policing in rural communities, intensification of approaches, visits to properties and integrated operations with other security bodies.
Rural producer Almir Gaburro is among the farmers who receive visits from the Rural Patrol.
"We have police visits here on the property. They even enter the coffee areas, make rounds and are always present. This is very important for those who live and works in the field", he said.
According to the PM, the operation seeks to prevent crimes such as theft and robbery, in addition to increasing the feeling of security among producers and rural workers during the period of greater circulation of people, goods and valuables in agricultural regions.
Military Police carry out Operation Harvest 2026 in Espírito Santo
Reproduction/PMES
Espírito Santo is a national highlight
The harvest period coincides with one of the most important times for agribusiness capixaba.
Espírito Santo is the largest producer of conilon coffee in Brazil, responsible for around 70% of national production. The activity represents around 38% of Espírito Santo's agricultural GDP.
There are 49 thousand rural properties in 68 of the state's 78 municipalities. The harvest period occurs between the months of May and August.
Also in relation to black pepper, the state is the largest producer and exporter of black pepper in Brazil, accounting for more than 60% of the national harvest, with the harvest estimated at around 80 thousand tons.
The main black pepper harvest period in Espírito Santo occurs between the months of June and November.
Two crops that have a strong presence in municipalities in the North of the state and generate billions of reais in the economy of Espírito Santo every year.
Fear of theft changes the routine of producers during the harvest in the North of Espírito Santo
TV Gazeta
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