KENT Police are investigating after thieves illegally harvested more than a thousand of Whitstable’s famous oysters.

The shellfish were taken from beds belonging to the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company.

The stolen oysters were not natives but a species cultured by the company which had started to establish themselves in the area and take on some of the native’s characteristics.

Director Barrie Green said the haul was worth £300, but his main concern was that the damage could affect the rest of the species.

“They are spreading all over and self-seeding and it is that which is more important than the value of the oysters.

“It helps to create an abundance of oysters and protect the species, but if they are picked it takes that away,” said Mr Green.

It was at least the second time illegal harvesting has taken place in the last few months but on previous occasions the culprits got away with their catch.

Mr Green said: “This time they were caught red-handed landing the oysters at the beach. These people were obviously not from Whitstable. They said it was for private use but they took so many I am sure it was a commercial operation.

“They were netting out there and the oysters would have ended up in restaurants.”

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