Three men in California have been arrested on suspicion of grand theft of avocados after the disappearance of $300,000 (£235,000) worth of the produce.

The trio - Carlos Chavez, 28; Rahim Leblanc, 30; and Joseph Valenzuela, 38 - were arrested on Wednesday.

“We take these kinds of thefts seriously,” said Sgt John Franchi of the Ventura county sheriff's department.

“It’s a big product here and in California.”

Avocado prices have surged in recent months, owing to a diminished avocado crop in California and Mexico and increased demand for avocados worldwide.

US per capita consumption was only 1.1 pounds in 1989, but rose to seven pounds by 2014, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.

The Hass Avocado Board reported that the average sales price for an avocado was 89 cents in January. By March 19, the latest week of data reported, it had risen to $1.25, and avocados at Whole Foods in New York now sell for $2.50 each.

Police believe the men were stealing and selling avocados to unsuspecting customers for at least several months.

In late May, sheriff’s detectives launched an investigation into allegations the men were receiving cash for the stolen avocados, said Mr Franchi.