Tractor trailer with Nova Scotia plates stolen in New Brunswick with load of frozen lobster

RCMP are on the lookout for a tractor trailer with Nova Scotia licence plates loaded with frozen lobster that was stolen from a processing plant in Grande-Anse, N.B.

Caraquet RCMP said it was taken on Canada Day around 10:15 p.m.

Police said video surveillance shows a dark-coloured Volvo transport truck pulling in from the east, hooking onto the trailer and then heading off towards Bathurst.

Cpl. Jayson Hansen said the timing of the theft leads police to believe this was well planned.

"It was around the time when people were occupied with fireworks, it's certainly a possibility they took advantage of that, but I don't have any information on witnesses," he said.

The trailer is 16 metres long with two axles and wind deflectors underneath. It's unmarked with a refrigeration unit on the front and no sleeping section.

The licence plate number is PT 6-65-11.

Buyers could be charged

"It's been my experience in these sort of things that they'll eventually ditch the stolen vehicle and the products are either moved or they've hidden the trailer," Hansen said.

"Either way, but obviously if the trailer's seen, report it, don't approach, especially if the vehicle is there."

Hansen also warned lobster lovers to be on the lookout for the stolen crustaceans.

"You could actually be charged with possession of the stolen lobsters if you purchase lobster," he said. "The onus is on the person to prove they didn't know it was stolen."

"If someone is selling you lobster at rock bottom prices at the side of the highway, your spidey senses are tingling, should go off telling you it's too good to be true."

Thefts not rare

Hansen said this kind of theft is not rare, especially in the Maritimes.

In January, 48 crates of live lobster were stolen from an outdoor pound at a business on Cape Sable Island, N.S.

In May 2005, thieves hit a warehouse on New Brunswick's Acadian peninsula. Two truckloads of frozen lobster were stolen in Saint-Simon. One of the trucks was later found empty in Montreal.

"This happens more often than you think," Hansen said. "They usually stand out."

Anyone with information is asked to call Caraquet RCMP at 506-726-5222.