This was my first attempt at growing something other than a small houseplant that actually survived. I had a simple tomato plant that was doing fairly well. I currently had 8 tomatoes that were just about ready towards the base of the plant and about 4 tomatoes on top that were still pretty green. They are planted in a large pot on my porch, which has a 4 foot fence but it is made of thin iron bars that are spaced about 9 inches apart. Easily enough space to put your arm through the bars. We are on the bottom floor of our apartment building and have never had problems with anyone before.

I got up this morning and water my plant like usual and then about 30 or 45 minutes later I open the curtains that looked over the porch and noticed my plant looked bare. Sure enough, all of the red tomatoes were gone.

I'm so upset. I had worked so hard and feel like the fruit of my labor is just gone. I know there is nothing I can do now but continue looking after the remaining tomatoes but I know better not to trust that people will not try to take for themselves. Next year I know that I will keep my plants as far from the fence as possible. I keep telling myself that maybe the thief was hungry and really needed them. Makes me feel better.