Armed police have launched overnight patrols at durian farms in Thailand after thousands of pounds worth of the valuable fruit was stolen by thieves.

Gun-wielding officers will be making rounds in durian orchards in Trat province from 6 PM to dawn, making sure farmers can safely harvest their produce - with retails locally for up to 200 Baht (4.81 GBP) a kilogram.

Police said the areas are prolific producers of the prized stinky fruit - one of the country's largest exports to China - making them prime targets for raiders at night.

The scheme was rolled out following thefts that have cost durian growers the equivalent of an estimated 250,000 GBP or more last year. Police Lieutenant Sombat Piempan of the Ao Cho Police Station said the farmers were also dealing with a drought already affecting their income.

Two patrol units are now being dispatched to guard the plantations - one monitoring until midnight, and another patrolling until the morning or when all the fruits have been picked.

Local farmer Suwat Thongpan welcomed the initiative saying it made farmers feel more secure. He said the villagers are thankful to the police for giving them peace of mind.

Suwat added: 'The durian harvest is my livelihood. If thieves steal the fruit, I will not be able to feed my family. My durians are some of the best in the region, so people are targeted them. The fields of so big that it is hard to monitor them, so I'm grateful for the police for helping.'

Thailand is the world's largest exporter of durian, with China serving as its top export market.

The Southeast Asian nation shipped a whopping 779,206 to China from February 1 to November 24 last year, generating 82.8 billion baht in income, government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said.