POLICE are cracking down on oyster thieves on Moreton Bay following complaints that thefts are costing growers more than $30,000 a year.
A police spokesperson said growers had reported thousands of oysters had been stolen from Myora Bay to Deanbilla Bay at North Stradbroke Island over the past few years.
The spokesperson said police believed offenders were selling the oysters.
The police response comes as Dunwich-based grower Gordon Gibson resorted to spy cameras to protect this season’s harvest.
Mr Gibson said he lost $10,000 last year when about 150 bags of oysters were stolen in four thefts.
Growers have also offered a $1000 reward to encourage boaties to dob in those responsible for theft, which growers said was ongoing.
The Capalaba Tactical Crime Squad has spearheaded the crack-down which will see Redland Bay and Brisbane Water Police officers increasing their presence in the area.
They will focus operations on oyster leases, which are signposted and marked out.
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In October, police and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries executed four search warrants at Dunwich after shells from cultivated oysters were found near houses.
Officers also found a stolen boat used to commit the offences.
Capalaba Tactical Crime Squad Senior Constable Steve Ackroyd said the large numbers of people that used the waterways recreationally and commercially could help.
“If members of the public notice a vessel near a lease, take notice of the registration,” he said.
“Boats that have the letter J preceding their vessel registration are designated oyster lease boats and are the only vessels allowed within these areas.”
Fisheries officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $1261 for interfering with a commercial oyster lease and police can charge oyster thieves with stealing.
Anyone who sees a boat or person that appears suspicious can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.
