Australian police probe A$350,000 oyster farm theft
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
Police in New South Wales are investigating the theft of 400,000 oysters from a farm near Taree, north of Sydney, after the case was reported on Tuesday. The stolen shellfish were taken in more than 300 bags and are estimated to be worth A$350,000, or about US$250,000. Grower Ryan Freeman said the loss amounts to roughly one-third of his stock and would have a major effect on his business.
Key Points
- New South Wales police said the oysters were stolen from a farm near Taree, a town north of Sydney in Australia.
- Officers said more than 300 bags containing 400,000 oysters were taken, with the total loss estimated at A$350,000.
- Police said the theft happened earlier this year, but the matter was only reported to them on Tuesday.
- Oyster grower Ryan Freeman told ABC the thieves likely targeted stock that could be sold during the Christmas period.
- Freeman said Sydney rock oysters take three to four years to grow, leaving no time to replace the missing stock quickly
Why It Matters
For seafood buyers and diners, the case points to possible supply pressure ahead of the Christmas trading season, when Freeman said demand typically reaches 35,000 to 40,000 dozen oysters. The grower said the theft could set the business back by another two to three years because the oysters cannot be replaced quickly