A rumor that a field’s potatoes could be collected for free prompted villagers to storm the plot, leading to 150 tonnes removed in a single day in Dąbrowica, Podkarpackie.
Dąbrowica Village
On Saturday, 11 October, residents of Dąbrowica in Podkarpackie heard that potatoes could be collected for free from a field, sparking a rush.
Operation of the Spike
Within a day, 150 tonnes were removed. The local head, Tadeusz Łapka, greeted observers, took photos, and noted the scene of overcrowded cars and tractors.
Owner Claims Theft
Piotr Gryta, co‑owner of the field and a local distillery, said he had not been distributing the produce and that the rumor caused him about 60 000 zł in losses.
Statement from the Owner
At 68, Gryta was shocked by the theft and called it “a nightmare like in a Bareja film.” He urged those involved to contact him for a settlement or, failing that, to involve the prosecutor’s office.
Faces of the Protest
According to Gryta, various nearby farmers took potatoes; one claimed he took two sacks after seeing a crowd, apologising. Others allegedly seized dozens of tonnes.
