€90,000 Worth of Snails Stolen: The Unusual Heist That Shocked a French Farm

In a world where luxury cars, jewelry, and electronics usually top the list of stolen goods, a recent theft in France has left many stunned—and even amused. A quiet snail farm in southwestern France reported that thieves made off with nearly €90,000 worth of snails, turning an everyday agricultural business into the center of an international headline. The bizarre heist has not only raised questions about rural security but also highlighted the surprising value of France’s snail industry.

A Crime No One Saw Coming

The shocking theft took place overnight when unknown intruders sneaked into the farm and stole 40,000 to 50,000 snails, carefully raised for the food and cosmetics industries. For the farmer, the loss was more than financial. It represented months of labor, delicate care, and continuous upkeep—snails are extremely sensitive creatures that require specialized conditions to grow.

French authorities described the theft as “highly coordinated,” hinting that the group behind it may have understood the snail market well. These were not random criminals grabbing what they could. They targeted a valuable product that is surprisingly easy to sell in certain underground markets, especially since France remains one of the largest consumers of edible snails in the world.

Why Snails Are Worth So Much

To some, snails might seem like an odd item to steal. But in France, escargots are a delicacy. High-quality snails, especially those raised organically, can sell for impressive prices. A single kilogram can be worth hundreds of euros depending on breed, size, and processing.

Beyond cuisine, snails also play a big role in the beauty and skincare industry. Snail mucin—used in face creams and serums—has become a global trend. This has increased the value of snail farming and created a market where theft can actually be quite profitable.

The farmer explained that his operation was preparing for peak holiday demand. The stolen snails were nearly ready for sale, making the loss even more devastating.

Rural Criminals Are Becoming More Strategic

While the theft sounds unusual, French police warn that rural crimes have become more frequent and more organized in recent years. Farms that raise animals, crops, or specialty foods have increasingly become targets because:

They often lack strong security systems

Their goods can be moved quickly

Agricultural products are easy to resell without documentation


In this case, CCTV footage showed signs of forced entry, but the thieves knew exactly where the snail batches were stored. Their speed and precision suggest they were familiar with farming operations.

Local farmers are now calling for better rural protection, as cases like stolen truffles, cheese wheels, livestock, and even bee hives have been rising across France.

The Farmer’s Emotional Response

The owner of the snail farm spoke to local media about his heartbreak. Snail farming is slow and delicate work; even small mistakes in humidity, temperature, or feeding can ruin months of progress. Losing such a large portion of his stock at once is not only a huge financial setback but also emotionally draining.

He described the theft as “a betrayal”—not only of his hard work but of the trust rural communities place in their surroundings. Many small farmers work alone, relying on honesty and respect. Now, he fears others may face the same risk.

What Happens to the Stolen Snails?

Experts believe the snails will likely be sold through informal networks, either to unregulated restaurants or cosmetic suppliers. Since the creatures were well-developed, the thieves could make a quick profit by selling them in bulk.

Authorities are searching nearby markets and transport routes to track the missing stock, but snails, as it turns out, are surprisingly difficult to trace.

A Reminder of the Hidden Value in Everyday Agriculture

This unusual heist has captured public attention not only for its strange nature but for the bigger message it sends. Behind every plate of escargots or beauty product lies a long chain of hard work that is often overlooked. Agricultural crime rarely makes headlines, but farmers across Europe say these incidents affect their livelihoods more than people realize.

The stolen-snail case has sparked conversations about food security, rural safety, and the need to protect small farms that supply essential—and sometimes unexpected—products to the world.


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