Shellfish thieves in Australia make off with 400,000 oysters worth US$250,000
Australian police said on Wednesday they were on the hunt for thieves who made off with hundreds of thousands of oysters.
The molluscs have an estimated total value of A$350,000 (US$250,000) and were lifted from an oyster farm near the town of Taree, north of Sydney, New South Wales police said.
Over 300 bags, containing 400,000 oysters, were stolen.
Police are urging the public to come forward with any information they might have about the theft, which they said happened “earlier this year” but was reported to them only on Tuesday.
Oysters are a staple of brunch menus and seafood buffets across Australia, with local varieties famed for their rich, creamy flavour.
Oyster grower Ryan Freeman told national broadcaster ABC he had lost a third of his stock.
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