Polk County deputies are investigating a rash of citrus tree thefts.
The Sheriff's Office says, in the past ten months, someone has stolen hundreds of citrus trees from groves throughout the county.
Warren McKnight owns the Holly Hill Fruit Company. He says the thieves have affected his business.
"It's very costly for us. We pay seven to eight dollars to grow a tree. We have to advance the money from the nursery to grow a tree for us," he said.
Deputies say trees closest to the road are especially vulnerable and it's especially hard to catch the robbers in remote areas.
McKnight thinks thefts are on the rise because of a shortage of young trees throughout the state.