The quiet waters of Casco Bay in Falmouth, Maine, recently became the scene of a high-stakes seafood heist. On November 22, authorities reported the theft of 14 cages brimming with valuable oysters from a local aquaculture operation.

These oysters, many of which were mature and primed for market, alongside their cages, carry an estimated value of $20,000, according to the Maine Marine Patrol. This loss strikes a significant blow to the small business affected.

“This is a devastating situation for a small businessman,” stated Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Sinclair, highlighting the serious impact of the theft.

Sinclair also noted the frequency of such crimes, saying, “It happens every day, multiple times a day.”

Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, explained that freight theft typically falls into two main categories. The recent oyster theft aligns with the first category, where perpetrators pose as legitimate trucking companies to execute their plans. The second category, known as strategic theft, involves cyber tactics like phishing emails to infiltrate systems and secure payments without physically taking the goods.

The lobster heist fits in the first type, which involves someone impersonating a legitimate trucking company. The second type, known as strategic theft, often involves using phishing emails to gain access to computer systems and get paid without actually stealing the product.

“This is a massive growing problem that needs to get addressed,” he said.

Given its short shelf life, the stolen lobster likely ended up restaurants, both said. And while he’s seen plenty of quips about stealing butter to go with the lobster, Rexing said such thefts ultimately harm consumers.

“Whether you eat seafood or not, they’re stealing other items. They’re stealing items to build your cars. They’re stealing items that go into computers,” he said.

“Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer.”