MORE than 500 oysters have been seized after being harvested illegally on Mersea Island.
As part of a joint operation with groups including Environmental Health and Mersea Neighbourhood Watch, Colchester's Community Policing Team have been seeking out those who are harvesting the famous delicacies illegally on the coast and selling them on for commercial use.
In two days more than 500 oysters were seized from people caught harvesting them.
Oysters are covered by strict guidelines around filtration due to harmful bacteria present in the water.
Ones which have not been filtrated properly can lead those who eat them to become ill.
A spokesman for Essex Police Colchester said: "The operation is being led by the partner agencies and will continue over the coming weeks and months with our support to ensure information is shared with those who are unaware of the guidance.
"Enforcement action will be taken by our partners against those who are illegally harvesting for commercial purposes."
Read more:
- What Gazette readers said about plans to make pet abduction a criminal offence
- Fourth arrest in connection with Colchester town centre fight
- Essex: Long delays as car overturns on A12 northbound
You can report information online at www.essex.police.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here