Miami Springs resident shared the following video on the Miami Springs Community Facebook Group allegedly showing a woman trespassing in their backyard to take some ripe delicious mangoes.
“Last night my husband and I were grilling on our deck and we see a brunette woman walking the alley way. My husband said she looked like she was picking up mangoes in the alleyway (no problem). Today, while we’re both home, a blonde woman completely trespassed into our yard and stole from our tree. This is steps away from my daughters nursery window! I’m extremely upset over the trespassing and wanted to let my neighbors know in case you have a mango tree that this woman feels it’s ok to just come onto your property!” – Miami Springs Resident
Folks, we understand that mangoes are amazing. But if you want mangoes from a nearby home, knock on the door and ask. You’ll be surprised at how many residents will appreciate the respect you show for them and their property. If you ask nicely, you have a better than 50% chance the resident will give you some mangoes.
Furthermore, it seems silly to have an adult get into legal trouble for a mango. Come on folks. They have ’em available at Milam’s if you really want them.
Now, let’s discuss what mangoes are accessible and which are not. A mango tree in a front yard or backyard, even if unfenced, is still private property. Any fruit from that tree is also considered private property. And yes, it is petit theft to steal a mango from someone’s property.
A mango tree that extends into a neighbors’ yard, well, that neighbor does have the right to take those mangoes, just as that neighbor has the right to cut off the portion of the tree that extends into his/her yard.
Folks, let’s be respectful of one another. If you want a mango, have the character to go to the homeowner and ask. Don’t think you’re being sneaky when you think no one’s around. Cameras are more prevalent than ever before. It would be embarrassing to be caught on camera and labeled a thief over what? A mango? “Que pena.”
While some mango trees are fruitful with a large number of mangos produced, others are not that productive. In some cases, residents balance letting the mangoes grow to their proper size, yet are eager to pull ’em down before the top mango thieves make their way to the tree. Of course, we’re talking about the various birds, squirrels, and raccoons that love the sweet Florida mango. Some residents only harvest a handful of mangoes if they’re lucky. So please folks, don’t steal mangoes in Miami Springs.
Do you really want to go viral for stealing mangoes?
