How do i get rid of apple thieves?

Question:My apple tree is close to the road and is quite a temptation to the people pasing by (they take an apple sometimes). The problem are those who come at night (once they devastated my garden). They are mostly young. I tried to talk with them but they didnt understand. Cutting the tree is not an option.

P.S. My neighbour has the same problem with his cherry tree.

Answers:
Call the law. Take pictures of the place before they tear it up. The police aren't likely to take it seriously if they can't see the before pictures. Good Luck.