While I sell my u-pick blueberries on the honor system, I have not dared to leave syrup out for the honor system. But, I would not be allowed to in my city (Yes, I pay the taxes but the city regulates far too many things). My other possible locations would not be near any residence.
On my honor system blueberries I have had theft issues but I don't think it is pickers who did it, I think it's no good thieves looking for free cash. In the early years I had an ammo can bolted down to a large wooden wire reel with a slot near the top to put cash in. Eventually that was broken into and emptied. Next I bolted a larger/heavier ammo can with a pad lock on each end of the lid, that was defeated in 2-3 seasons. Then I did similar but put the pad locks in a welded on ring so they could not cut the locks, that time they stole the whole reel with the ammo can cash box attached. Then I finally got serious, I drilled a hole, 8" in diameter and 4' deep, I then enlarged the diameter at the bottom. Then I set a sono tube in the hole, left it up about 28" above grade, put 2 5/8" threaded rod in each for rebar and left the rod out about a 1.5"-2.0" out the top and filled it with concrete. Then I got busy with a welder. I started with a 3/8" walled x 10 diameter pipe x 20" long. On the bottom I welded an old disc blade (18" diameter). I cut a cash slot near the other end, then using a torch I cut a 2.75" wide piece at one edge and using the torch I bent it to form a locking shape. Then I welded a short length of 3" channel near the top of the assemble so the bent section could be slid into it and then face out so that edge of the "top could not be opened. On the other edge I welded a heavy duty hasp and then I use the heaviest duty Master lock commonly seen in hardware stores. I made 2 of these, since my fields have 2 entrances. I figured I anyone tried to pull it out, I'd find their bumper next to the concrete post. In about 10-12 years now, no one has tried to steal it and I've seen no evidence of attempts to break in. Now I get all of the cash put in by honest customers. My feeling all along was that those going out to pick were paying, the lazy ones are the thieves.
Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.