New England Heist: Thieves Steal $400K in Lobster, Oysters, and Crab

Recent reports highlight a significant series of seafood thefts in New England, amounting to a staggering $400,000. The three incidents involved the theft of oysters, lobster, and crabmeat, showcasing a concerning trend in seafood crime.

Overview of the Seafood Heists

These thefts unfolded over several weeks, with the first incident occurring on November 22 in Falmouth, Maine. Thieves stole 14 cages filled with oysters valued at $20,000 from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay.

Details of Each Incident

• First Incident: November 22, 2022, in Falmouth, Maine.
  • 14 cages of oysters stolen.
  • Estimated value: $20,000.
• Second Incident: December 2, 2022, in Taunton, Massachusetts.
  • Crabmeat stolen after leaving Lineage Logistics warehouse.
• Third Incident: December 12, 2022, in Taunton, Massachusetts.
  • Lobster meat intended for Costco stores was stolen.
  • Thieves used a fraudulent trucking company to carry out the heist.

The Impact of Seafood Theft

Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair described the theft of oysters as devastating for small businesses reliant on aquaculture. Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, emphasized the sophistication of the lobster theft, detailing how the criminals impersonated a legitimate trucking company with fake credentials.

Types of Cargo Theft

According to Chris Burroughs, president of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, cargo theft typically falls into two main categories:

• Impersonation Theft: Involves criminals acting as legitimate carriers.
• Strategic Theft: Often involves phishing schemes to gain access to shipment details.

Rexing noted that such thefts not only impact seafood distributors but also consumers broadly. “Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer,” he said, highlighting a ripple effect that extends beyond seafood.

Conclusion

The seafood heists in New England reflect a growing problem in the freight industry. As seafood theft becomes more prevalent, businesses may face increased challenges and costs, potentially affecting prices for consumers. The need for enhanced security measures in the shipping and handling of seafood products has never been more critical.