Police seek forfeit of suspects' boats

One of two boats seized by police in Te Puna Inlet last week.

Police say they will ask the courts to permanently confiscate two boats seized from alleged oyster thieves in the Bay of Islands.

Farmer Alan Brain alerted police when he spotted people helping themselves to his oyster racks in Te Puna Inlet, north of Kerikeri, on Friday morning.

One man was arrested as he came into a bay near Te Tii but two others fled. Police seized a 6m tinny and a 4m fibreglass boat that are being held in a secure yard in Whangarei. The seized oysters, weighing 600kg, were returned to Mr Brain.

Inspector Al Symonds said police were still looking for the two suspects yesterday but had "a fair idea" who they were.

The courts could allow the boats to be returned or order their forfeiture. Police would be seeking forfeiture, Mr Symonds said.

"It is theft and you will be prosecuted if you are caught. You can also expect us to seek forfeiture of your boat, your car, and anything else used to carry out the crime."

The Ministry of Primary Industries is also considering action against the men. Kaeo police Constable Richard Avery said oyster thefts were a problem in Whangaroa Harbour, where families depended on oyster farming.

Two people had been arrested last month after they were spotted raiding an oyster farm. The owner followed them by boat and police were able to stop the vehicle.

The amount of oysters taken was small so the offenders were given a pre-charge warning and the oysters returned.

The men claimed it was their right to take farmed oysters but it was theft, Mr Avery said.

Anyone is allowed to collect wild oysters to a limit of 250 per day.

Mr Symonds said police would have a boat in the Bay of Islands this summer and work closely with MPI.

While they will be watching for theft and fishing violations, they will also make sure boaties are behaving responsibly.