According to AFP, Australian police on August 26 (local time) said that more than 300 bags containing about 400,000 oysters were stolen from a farm near the town of Taree, north of Sydney. The oysters are worth a total estimated 350,000 AUD (about 250,000 USD).
Police called on people to provide all information related to the theft.
Oysters are a popular dish in late breakfast menus and seafood buffets in Australia. Many local oyster varieties are favored by diners for their rich and fatty flavors.
Oyster farmer Ryan Freeman said that his farm lost about 1/3 of its output due to the theft. According to Mr. Freeman, oyster consumption demand usually increases sharply during Christmas, possibly up to 420,000 - 480,000 oysters. This may also be the time when thieves target oyster farms, when stolen goods are easily consumed during the year-end holiday season.
