Egg Thieves Strike Across the US as Prices Skyrocket
First, it was Pennsylvania. Then, it was Seattle. If you're clutching your carton of eggs a little tighter these days, we don't blame you. In the latest installment of the great American egg caper, thieves have been making off with breakfast's most essential ingredient — one heist at a time.
Egg Thieves Strike Again!
It all started when 100,000 organic eggs, valued at more than $40,000, mysteriously vanished from a distribution trailer in south-central Pennsylvania. No yolk, this was a serious operation. Meanwhile, across the country in Seattle, two enterprising criminals made off with 540 eggs and an assortment of breakfast staples from Luna Park Cafe in the dead of night.
Egg shortages, sky-high prices, and now organized egg crime? It's enough to make you switch to oatmeal.
The Seattle Scramble: A Heist in Two Acts
On a snowy night in Seattle, two thieves decided to double-dip in their egg-napping escapade. According to Luna Park Cafe owner Heong Soon Park, security footage revealed that the duo raided the walk-in refrigerator twice. They stole a few things and left, then waited 10 minutes before they returned a second time, Park told USA Today.
The thieves clearly had a strategy, taking only the most valuable items — eggs, liquid egg products, bacon, ground beef, and blueberries. Their haul? A cool $780 worth of breakfast ingredients. And when confronted? They didn't crack. "We saw the guy and we tried to block them, and then they just almost crashed into us and then ran away," said the restaurant's general manager, David Park, according to KKTV 11 News.
So far, no arrests have been made, but Seattle police are urging anyone with information to call the SPD Tip Line at (206)-233-5000.
Pennsylvania's Missing 100,000 Eggs: Still No Leads
Meanwhile, back in Pennsylvania, authorities are still trying to crack the case of the missing 100,000 organic eggs. The theft was reported on Feb. 1, and despite ongoing investigations, the culprits remain at large. Franklin County District Attorney Ian Brink confirmed that there have been no breaks in the case.
The eggs were stolen from a facility operated by Pete & Gerry's Organics, which has since beefed up its security in hopes of preventing another high-stakes robbery. Pennsylvania State Police remain tight-lipped about their investigation.
Why Eggs? The Price of a Golden Yolk
The egg crime wave comes at a time when eggs have never been more valuable. Thanks to the ongoing bird flu outbreak, prices have skyrocketed. Even restaurants like Luna Park Cafe are struggling to keep their kitchens stocked. "Since we serve mostly eggs here at the Luna Park Cafe, we have been struggling ourselves to get more eggs," David Park said, as reported by KKTV 11 News.
In fact, Park believes the cafe was specifically targeted because of the soaring egg prices. "They didn't touch anything, they just stole the eggs, liquid egg, and some meat," he noted, as reported by KKTV 11 News. "The champagne cost more but they stole the eggs." Priorities, right?
The Egg-vasion Continues
With no suspects and no arrests, egg thieves remain at large. Are these crimes connected? Is there an underground black market for stolen eggs? And more importantly — will your Sunday brunch be safe?
Until authorities get a sunny-side up on this case, best to keep an eye on your breakfast.
References: Seattle egg heist: Thieves strike cafe days after Pennsylvania theft of 100,000 eggs | Police try to crack the case after more than 500 eggs stolen from restaurant
