Pennsylvania Thieves Steal 100,000 Eggs Amid Nationwide Shortage

Authorities in Pennsylvania are on the hunt for thieves who stole approximately 100,000 organic eggs from a wholesaler’s warehouse over the weekend. The stolen haul, valued at over $40,000, comes at a time when egg prices have skyrocketed due to a nationwide shortage.

According to Pennsylvania State Trooper Megan Frazer, who is leading the investigation, this type of crime is unprecedented in her 12-year career. “The closest thing I’ve seen was a trailer full of chickens stolen a decade ago,” she told Reuters. The theft occurred on Saturday in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles (105 km) southwest of Harrisburg, the state capital.

Egg prices have surged more than 50% over the past year, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Farmers have been battling a bird flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of millions of hens in an effort to contain the disease. The U.S. Agriculture Department reports that over 13 million hens have been lost since December, exacerbating the crisis.

As a result, the average price of eggs has soared to $5.29 per dozen as of late January, compared to around $3.50 the previous year, according to consumer research group NIQ. Some grocery store shelves remain empty, and restaurants like Waffle House have even added a 50-cent surcharge per egg.

The stolen eggs were taken from a trailer at Pete and Gerry’s Organics warehouse shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday, according to the police report. The company has yet to comment on the incident. Authorities continue their search for the culprits behind this unusual and costly heist.