Family Farm Owner Devastated as $6,000 in Pumpkins Stolen from His Ohio Farm Just Before Halloween

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A central Ohio pumpkin patch has become the scene of a felony-level theft that’s left a local farmer reeling just as the fall season hits its peak. Approximately 300 of the most valuable pumpkins were stolen from Sam’s Pumpkin Patch in Pickerington, Fairfield County, sometime in the final days of September. The patch is owned and operated by 85-year-old Terry Dunlap, who reported the loss after discovering vines knocked over and entire sections of his premium pumpkin crop missing.

"It hurt. I was, I was sick when I saw it," Dunlap told AGDAILY following the incident, describing the emotional and financial blow of seeing weeks of work vanish overnight.

Dunlap estimates the theft to be worth more than $6,000. The stolen pumpkins were not random selections but specifically his “very best” large, high-quality pumpkins with long, sturdy stems that typically command premium prices in the seasonal agritourism market. The pumpkins were grown for retail and decorative use during October, a time when small farms like his generate a significant portion of their yearly income.

Evidence suggests the theft occurred under cover of darkness. Dunlap found that vines in the patch had been trampled, and no signs of harvest or authorized removal were present. While the exact timing and number of individuals involved are not yet known, the scale and weight of the stolen produce suggest a planned operation that likely involved a truck, trailer, or multiple trips. Three hundred full-size pumpkins can weigh several thousand pounds, making a quick or spontaneous theft highly unlikely.

A formal theft report was filed with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office, and Dunlap is offering a reward for information that leads to the conviction of the thieves or recovery of the pumpkins. As of this writing, no suspects have been identified, and authorities have not disclosed whether they have any solid leads.

The farm has since taken immediate steps to prevent further losses. A locked gate has been installed at the field entrance, and Dunlap has turned to Amish growers in nearby Centerburg to help replenish his inventory for the remaining fall season.

Sam’s Pumpkin Patch, founded in 1988 in partnership with the late Sam Patterson, has long served as a seasonal staple in the Pickerington community, offering pumpkins, farm experiences, and family-friendly attractions. The timing of the theft, just as October began, could not have been worse for the business, as families flock to farms for Halloween decorations, corn mazes, and hayrides.

The theft at Sam’s Pumpkin Patch is not believed to be an isolated incident. Puffy’s Pumpkin Patch in Circleville has also reported losses, while Madmax Farms in Delaware narrowly avoided a similar crime. Dunlap has urged neighboring growers and vendors to be on alert and report any suspicious activity, particularly if they encounter unusually large pumpkins with long stems showing up for sale at roadside stands, markets, or other non-standard outlets.

Online, public reactions have ranged from outrage to disbelief. Community members commenting on coverage by Fox 8 and other outlets expressed concern over how such a large-scale theft could occur undetected. “Nothing worse than stinking thieves,” one commenter wrote. Others debated the high retail price of pumpkins this year, with some noting that large pumpkins have been selling for as much as $20 each. “Pumpkin patch pricing is out of control honestly,” one commenter added, while others sympathized with Dunlap, blaming economic desperation and calling for accountability.

Despite the frustration, the incident has sparked renewed calls for farm security awareness. Open-field operations often lack surveillance or fencing, making them vulnerable to theft during harvest season. Dunlap’s case may become a cautionary tale prompting other small growers to invest in security upgrades, lighting, or patrols.

The case remains under investigation, and the community is being asked to report any tips to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office. As of now, none of the stolen pumpkins have been recovered, and the motive beyond financial gain has not been officially established.

--------------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.