Crime & Public Safety
Australia oyster theft: 400,000 stolen near Taree
New South Wales police said on August 26 they were searching for thieves who stole more than 300 bags containing 400,000 oysters from an oyster farm near Taree, north of Sydney.
Police estimated the oysters were worth A$350,000, about US$250,000. They said the theft happened earlier in 2026 but was reported on August 25, and asked the public for information.
Oyster grower Ryan Freeman told Australian national broadcaster ABC he had lost a third of his stock. He said the thieves may have targeted the oysters because they could be sold around Christmas, and said the theft would have a major impact.
Update
Oyster grower Ryan Freeman told ABC he had lost a third of his stock.
Freeman said the theft could affect Christmas supply and have a major impact on his business.
Source note: AFP news report published on 26 August 2026 at 05:26:10 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The thieves have not been identified in the supplied information.
The exact date of the theft was not specified beyond earlier in 2026.
Source
AFP news report published on .