scrumping

Scrumping is the act of illegally taking fruit, typically apples or other fresh produce, from someone’s orchard or garden without permission. It's considered a minor form of theft often arising from tradition, necessity, or impulsiveness rather than malicious intent. While sometimes viewed as a harmless act rooted in cultural practices or childhood mischief, it remains illegal and can lead to legal consequences. The term is mainly used in the UK and reflects a spontaneous or opportunistic gathering of fruit, often during the harvest season.