HUNDREDS of oysters have been stolen from two leases at Deanbilla Point near Dunwich.
The thefts have occurred in the same week police announced a crack down on the oyster thieves.
Police said thefts were costing growers about $30,000 a year.
Grower Tony Carlaw said he had found a pile of empty baskets at his lease and estimated his loss was worth about $1200.
Paul Martin, who has a lease near to Mr Carlaw’s, said he had about $500 of oysters stolen.
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The two growers have leases at Deanbilla Point, south of Dunwich.
Mr Carlaw said, prior to this theft, he had occasionally had one or two bags of oysters stolen during his 16 years as a grower.
He had security cameras on his lease for about 18 months, but had recently moved them to another lease.
“It looks like I will have to put them back,” he said.
Mr Carlaw said he had been growing the oysters that were stolen for years.
“They have stolen about three years of work.”
Mr Martin said this was the first theft he had experienced in the three years since he had taken over the lease.
“I am going to put cameras up on my lease to try and prevent thefts,” he said.
The growers called on the public to take note of boats spotted at oyster leases.
“On the Gold Coast where I have another lease, fishermen let us know if they see anything suspicious near the lease,” Mr Martin said.
“Growers have the letter J on our boats which is clearly identifiable.
“It would be good if someone sees anything suspicious if they could report it,” he said.
Interfering with a commercial oyster lease carries an on-the-spot fine of $1261 and anyone caught stealing from a commercial lease can face prosecution.
Oysters growers have also put up a $1000 reward to encourage people to dob in thieves.
Police asked boaties to take photographs, if possible, and report anything suspicious to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Policelink on 131 444.
