Thieves clear out almost 8,000 square metres of vineyards in Germany

Unknown perpetrators have stolen almost all the ripe grapes from two vineyards in Germany's Rhineland, covering an area of around 8,000 square metres.

The grape varieties affected are Riesling and Sauvignon blanc, the police said on Sunday.

The two independent winemakers in the village of Gundheim near the city of Worms in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate are estimated to have lost several thousand euros due to the theft.

The police described the perpetrators' approach as professional. "Due to the amount of stolen goods, it must be assumed that at least one larger vehicle or several means of transport were used," the police said.

The theft was discovered by employees when they wanted to start the harvest.

Anyone who noticed suspicious people or vehicles near the vineyards between September 6 and Sunday have been asked to contact the police.