Pennsylvania Egg Theft

By Rich McKay

Greencastle, Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania State Police are searching for thieves who stole approximately 100,000 organic eggs worth over $40,000 from a wholesaler’s warehouse over the weekend, amid a national shortage causing egg prices to surge.

Trooper Megan Frazer, investigating the case, stated she’s never seen such a large egg theft in her 12 years with the force. The only similar incident involved a trailer full of chickens a decade ago.

She emphasized the seriousness of the crime due to the significant value of the stolen goods. The theft occurred on Saturday in Greencastle, around 65 miles southwest of Harrisburg, the state capital.

Egg prices have increased by over 50% nationwide since last year, according to a consumer price index report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Farmers are dealing with a bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of hens to prevent the disease’s spread. Over 13 million hens have been slaughtered or lost since December, per the U.S. Agriculture Department’s latest egg markets overview.

As of late January, the average cost of eggs was $5.29 per dozen, up from about $3.50 at the same time last year. Availability has become an issue, with some shelves bare, and popular breakfast chain Waffle House implementing a 50-cent surcharge per egg.

The eggs were stolen from Pete and Gerry’s Organics warehouse shortly before 9 p.m. on Saturday. The company spokesperson has not yet commented on the incident.