A Rural Crime Prevention Team officer with Batemans Bay oyster farmers John and Jim Yiannaros. Photo: NSW Police.
People are being warned to buy oysters only from reputable sellers following a four day rural crime operation on the South Coast.
Operation Bushmint 2025 was conducted by the Rural Crime Prevention Team targeting known rural crime offenders for a number of offences, including oyster theft.
The four-day operation, between 19 and 22 December, involved officers attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team from the South Coast PD and the Hume Police District who were deployed to Bega, Narooma and the Batemans Bay sector of the South Coast Police District.
In response to recent oyster thefts, officers inspected 13 oyster leases on the South Coast including the Clyde River at Batemans Bay, Bermagui River, Wapengo and Wagonga Inlet, Narooma.
Officers also conducted patrols on the water, checking boat safety equipment and recreational fishing licences.
Rural Crime Prevention Team Coordinator Detective Sergeant Michael Calleja has warned people not to be tempted to purchase cheap seafood in the lead up to Christmas.
“It’s not worth the risk. Not only is it illegal, but it may not be good for your health,” he said. “Illegal sellers are not bound by strict health requirements, making the oysters potentially unsafe to consume.”
“Oyster theft is a serious crime with fines of up to $275,000 and even imprisonment. People are encouraged if they have information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536.”
Operation Trident is a joint operation with NSW Fisheries, to investigate the theft of oysters in NSW and will be ongoing across the summer period
