Police operation targets South Coast oyster leases

Strike Force Trident is a joint operation with NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team, and the Department of Primary Industries to target the theft and illegal trade of oysters in NSW.

On Wednesday and Thursday, January 22-23, officers attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team - with assistance from the NSW Police Marine Area Command, officers attached to the South Coast Police District and DPI - conducted compliance checks from Batemans Bay to Eden.

Officers searched leases in Wagonga Inlet, Narooma and Merimbula Lake.

The operation followed reports of thefts around Narooma, Bermagui and Merimbula over recent months - with an estimated loss of tens of thousands of dollars.

The thefts involved juvenile to ready-to-consume oysters.

During the two-day operation, 32 oyster lease and business inspections were conducted.

Seventeen vessel interactions and checks were completed, 32 targeted marine RBTs conducted and three marine cautions issued.

RCPT state rural crime coordinator Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside said the operation had been a great success.

"NSW Police is pleased with the results of this high-visibility operation, with important information gathered to continue our investigations into the alleged theft of oysters within the South Coast Police District," Detective Chief Inspector Whiteside said

"We know this operation has already started important conversations in the industry and provided greater awareness to the threat of oyster theft.

"We know the oyster industry is highly valuable and the Rural Crime Prevention Team will continue to target and disrupt oyster theft on the South Coast and across the state, with assistance from our partner agencies to deter thieves.

"This operation should put them on notice, that we will continue to target this illicit trade."

Strike Force Trident appealed for anyone with information about crimes such as oyster thefts, or who were offered products in circumstances that appeared suspicious, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.