Imagine a buffet filled with delicious seafood. But not all of it was acquired legally. In recent weeks, New England has seen a wave of seafood thefts that has left local businesses reeling.
First, on November 22, 14 cages of oysters worth $20,000 disappeared from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay, Maine. This theft hit a small business hard, as many of the oysters were fully grown and ready for sale. “This is a devastating situation for a small businessman,” said Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair.
Next, in Taunton, Massachusetts, two more significant thefts occurred. On December 2, a shipment of crab disappeared right after leaving a warehouse. Then, on December 12, a truck posing as a legitimate carrier made off with lobster meat intended for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota. Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, explained the complexity of the fraud. “They spoofed an email and even created a fake driver’s license,” he said. “It’s a very sophisticated crime.”
These cargo thefts have been increasing, with Rexing noting that such incidents now occur daily. Chris Burroughs, CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, described the scenario as concerning. There are two main types of cargo theft: impersonation of legitimate trucking companies and strategic theft, which often involves phishing. Unfortunately, both methods are becoming more common and increasingly sophisticated.
The impact of these thefts stretches beyond just the loss for businesses. Stolen seafood likely ends up in restaurants, affecting consumers directly. Rexing added, “They’re stealing items that go into computers and cars, too. Ultimately, that cost gets passed on to the consumer.”
Recent research supports this notion. A report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau found cargo thefts have risen by 25% over the past few years, showing just how vulnerable this sector is.
In summary, as seafood thefts plague New England, they reflect a bigger national issue, raising questions about security in supply chains and the impact on everyday consumers. Staying informed and vigilant is more important than ever as this problem continues to grow.
For further reading on cargo theft, you can check the National Insurance Crime Bureau here.
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Shellfish, Theft, Lobsters, Business, U.S. news, General news, Article, 128791578
