FISHERMEN around the South Hams suspect that thieves are targeting their lobster pots, leaving them out of pocket.

Mark Taylor, who fishes between Ayrmer Cove and Soar Mill Cove, said his ‘store pot’ was opened at some point between Sunday, August 21, Thursday, August 25, and he suspects that pots on his strings have also been opened.

‘On my string of fifteen pots, some were opened’, said Mark, ‘Sometimes really bad weather can damage and open pots, and seals can open them sometimes, but its not often you pull up that many pots and don’t find any lobsters.

‘I pulled 90 pots on Friday and found three lobsters. Usually there is one lobster in every three or four pots. The store box was definitely opened, it was secured by bungee ties and other cables, no seal is getting in there.

‘This feels more organised’, continued Mark, ‘I’ve lost hundreds of pounds worth of lobsters and I have had to tell one customer that I couldn’t fulfil his order.

‘Next month I have a wedding to supply, which is really nerve-wracking. It’s one thing to be unable to supply a pub, but if 90 wedding guests are expecting lobsters, its worrying.

‘Its not an easy profession, nature makes it challenging enough without people adding to the complexity.’

Mark said that fishermen he knows in Salcombe and Start Point are convinced that their pots are being opened and their lobsters stolen.

Tim Lynn, who fishes in Start Bay and Lannacombe, said it was ‘the worst year we’ve had for a while’ for pots being opened and said he was being ‘robbed’. ‘We do the work and buy the bait and someone else takes the glory’, Tim said.

Tim is sure it is people getting into the pots as he has been securing his pots with tie clips and these are being cut to get in.

Tim said what he thinks would help most is if the thieves would be unable to sell these lobsters. ‘I’ve lost £200-250 worth and so have all the other guys I’ve spoken to.’

The Marine Management Organisation’s ‘Looks Fishy? Don’t Risk It’ campaign aimed to inform people about the laws surrounding buying and selling fresh fish, reminding people that buying from unlicensed vessels is illegal.

South Devon and Channel Shellfishermen advise asking for a boat name and number from anyone trying to sell to you, saying: ‘If they can’t give it to you, don’t buy from them.’

Sgt Dave Green, Kingsbridge Police, said: ‘As is always the way, if someone offers you something at an amazing price, its probably too good to be true. When it comes to fish and shellfish you could be dicing with your health as well as facilitating a crime.

‘Make sure you always buy from professional and licensed fishermen or legitimate businesses.’

If you are offered shellfish or other products and something seems suspicious, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or if you have a query, contact the Marine Management Organisation on 0300 123 1032 or email: [email protected].