Continuing our intermittent series of Crime Stoppers updates, someone has stolen thirteen Japanese koi from a pond at the Zilker Botanical Garden.
This does not appear to be a lark, or a crime of opportunity by a crack head or some equivalent; the koi are pretty large fish which would be tough to handle alone, and each one needs at least 10 gallons of water for transport (that is, if you want living fish at the end of it). From what the Statesman says, I gather that the koi does not make for good sushi.
I don’t have a good explanation for the fact that the theft apparently took place two weeks ago, and we’re only now finding out about it.
Lawrence speculated to me that perhaps the koi were stolen for someone who is (or was) planning a Polynesian dinner for the masses. In other words, he thinks the motive was hoi polloi koi poi. (Yes, I’m aware that poi is not made from fish, but from the taro plant. You try telling Lawrence that.)
Anyway, be on the lookout for people selling koi on street corners. Remember; if it doesn’t look legit, it probably isn’t. Ask for papers.