In a string of bizarre seafood heists, thieves have made off with a staggering $400,000 worth of high-end seafood, including lobster, crab, and oysters across New England. These thefts occurred in separate incidents that devastated local businesses and raised concerns about maritime security.
Theft of Oysters in Falmouth, Maine
The first incident took place on November 22 in Falmouth, Maine. Authorities reported the theft of 14 cages of oysters from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay. Many of the harvested oysters were mature and ready for sale, valued at approximately $20,000.
“This is a devastating situation for a small businessman,” stated Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair, reflecting on the impact of the theft on local aquaculture operations.
Crab and Lobster Heists in Taunton, Massachusetts
The following thefts occurred in Taunton, Massachusetts, located about 160 miles from Falmouth. The first incident involved the disappearance of a load of crab on December 2 after leaving the Lineage Logistics warehouse.
Shortly after, on December 12, a shipment of lobster meat that was bound for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota was stolen. Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, explained that the perpetrators posed as a legitimate trucking company.
Details of the Lobster Theft
- The thieves used a spoofed email address.
- They altered the name displayed on the side of the truck.
- A fake certified driver’s license was produced.
“It’s a very sophisticated crime,” Rexing noted, adding that police informed him about the similar crab theft from the same location. This type of cargo theft has been problematic for over a decade, intensifying recently.
Ongoing Issues with Freight Theft
Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, described two primary categories of freight theft. The lobster heist falls under impersonation theft, while strategic theft typically involves phishing methods to infiltrate systems.
- Impersonation theft: Involves pretending to be a legitimate trucking company.
- Strategic theft: Uses phishing emails to mislead and access payment systems without actual product theft.
These criminal activities pose a broader threat beyond immediate seafood losses, as they may ultimately drive up costs for consumers across various industries. “The items they steal can affect others too,” Rexing emphasized. “Whether it’s seafood or components for cars and computers, the impact is widespread.”
