Why Are Thieves Targeting Coffee Trucks
make off with: to take something and leave quickly, usually after stealing it
High coffee prices are attracting thieves in the US. Criminals are stealing entire truckloads of coffee beans. They pretend to be legitamate transport companies offering low prices to trick importers. Once they get the coffee, they disappear.
Each stolen truck carries about 44,000 pounds (almost 20,000 kg) of green coffee beans. One truckload is worth up to $180,000. Some experts think the stolen beans are sold to small coffee businesses that cannot afford the new high prices. This problem is not limited to the US. In Brazil, thieves made off with 500 bags of coffee worth $230,000 from a farm in Minas Gerais state.
To stop the thefts, some importers are using tracking devices. These help them follow shipments and find stolen goods.
Sample sentences
The cat made off with a piece of chicken from the kitchen table while no one was looking.
A man grabbed a bag full of money from the store counter and made off with it before the cashier could stop him.
A group of thieves broke into the museum at night and made off with a priceless painting.
Read More:
Coffee theft surges in the US as prices for the beans soar