Daily London
A spate of oyster thefts has inspired a warning from police on the dangers of buying cheap seafood in the lead-up to Christmas.
The Rural Crime Prevention Team inspected 13 oyster leases on the NSW South Coast including the Clyde River in Batemans Bay, the Bermagui River at Wapengo and the Wagonga Inlet in Narooma in a four-day operation from Friday until yesterday, after recent oyster thefts.
Their investigation also included water patrols, checking boat safety equipment and recreational fishing licenses and will continue across the summer period.
While too-good-to-be-true prices may be tempting, oysters sold outside of reputable sellers could be dangerous, Detective Sergeant Michael Calleja said.
“It’s not worth the risk,” Calleja said.
“Not only is it illegal, but it may not be good for your health.
“Illegal sellers are not bound by strict health requirements, making the oysters potentially unsafe to consume.”
Oyster theft can carry penalties of up to $275,000 or even imprisonment.
