A Bay of Islands oyster farmer has lost thousands of dollars in stock to thieves, who he says could cripple his business

Steve Van Veen, who owns an oyster farm in the Waikare Inlet, has been hit three times in about five weeks.

Thieves are targeting shellfish that've been harvested, separated, placed in mesh bags and left on racks to fatten up until they were ready for market.

Van Veen has told the Northern Advocate, the way it's going it could make the business unviable.