Thieves pinch contents of 144 crayfish cages
Sweden's popular crayfish season has been tainted for anglers in southern Sweden, who were robbed of 144 full cages of crayfish worth around 30,000 kronor ($4,600).
The brazen robbery was noticed on Saturday morning at a lake in Växjö, where thieves had cleared out the contents of 144 cages belonging to 12 different fishermen.
Jan Sjöwall, the chairman of the Växjö Angling Association, suspects foul play.
"There have been thefts in the past in the Helga Lake, but always at an amateur level. This seems to have been organized," he told the Smålandsposten newspaper.
He added that the cages had been neatly returned to the water, and that it appeared the thieves had even stolen the smaller crustaceans, despite local rules only allowing those over 11 centimetres to be taken.
At this time of year, Sjöwall estimated the cages' contents would be worth 30,000 kronor.
The association has now asked local police for help in solving the shellfish crime.
Crayfish parties are Sweden's biggest excuse for a get together during August, with many households hosting kräftskivor for families and friends. Besides the mountains of crayfish, the staple ingredient for success is a variety of strong spirits and a collection of traditional Swedish drinking songs.
For those interested in learning more about the drinking songs, click here for a closer look at the lyrics.
SEE ALSO: Crayfish: the messiest party of the year
TT/The Local/og
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The brazen robbery was noticed on Saturday morning at a lake in Växjö, where thieves had cleared out the contents of 144 cages belonging to 12 different fishermen.
Jan Sjöwall, the chairman of the Växjö Angling Association, suspects foul play.
"There have been thefts in the past in the Helga Lake, but always at an amateur level. This seems to have been organized," he told the Smålandsposten newspaper.
He added that the cages had been neatly returned to the water, and that it appeared the thieves had even stolen the smaller crustaceans, despite local rules only allowing those over 11 centimetres to be taken.
At this time of year, Sjöwall estimated the cages' contents would be worth 30,000 kronor.
The association has now asked local police for help in solving the shellfish crime.
Crayfish parties are Sweden's biggest excuse for a get together during August, with many households hosting kräftskivor for families and friends. Besides the mountains of crayfish, the staple ingredient for success is a variety of strong spirits and a collection of traditional Swedish drinking songs.
For those interested in learning more about the drinking songs, click here for a closer look at the lyrics.
SEE ALSO: Crayfish: the messiest party of the year
TT/The Local/og
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