Two men who reportedly stole 82 bags of oranges valued at $240,000 are now in police custody on suspicion of praedial larceny.

According to the Bog Walk police, on Saturday, the men allegedly stole the oranges from Trade Winds Citrus Limited.

They abandoned the truck laden with the stolen citrus after being accosted by the police.

They subsequently went to the Denham Town Police Station and reported that they were robbed by gunmen.

An investigation was launched which resulted in both being taken into custody.

The police said the names of the suspects are being withheld as the investigation widens.

"Praedial larceny is a real problem as we have seized two vehicles which are involved in the theft of oranges," a senior policeman said.