Criminologists have long pondered the cause of crime. Does it rise from the dark depths of the human soul, a misty embodiment of some natural human depravity? Is it the result of class conflict, a struggle between the haves and have-nots? Or is it simply a rational choice, the result of a bad guy weighing the potential gain versus potential risk of committing a crime?

A recent heist in Pennsylvania may provide some anecdotal evidence in favor of the latter theory. The rising cost of eggs in the U.S. has become a sort of cultural inside joke throughout the country. Driven by various market forces (including a spate of bird flu that’s forcing many farmers to slaughter their chickens), the price of eggs reached a record high of $4.82 per dozen two years ago. While the price has since fallen, 12 of the breakfast staple will still run you an average of $4.15. According to AP News, some enterprising criminal recently decided to take advantage of the sky-high prices and commit a massive heist. 

Early in February, the Pennsylvania State Police reported that they still hadn’t made any arrests in the theft of 100,000 eggs. The pricey poultry products were taken from a Pete & Gerry’s Organics distribution trailer. Their technical value is around $40,000, though it’s unclear what an organic egg might go for on the street.

Although the thieves seem to have eluded capture for the time being, there may be a gaping hole in their plan. Namely, how does one fence 100,000 organic eggs? That much tasty omelet material hitting the streets would surely make a buzz in the criminal underworld of any town. According to Trooper First Class Megan Frazer, a Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson, the theft definitely constitutes a felony. A statement from Pete & Gerry’s Organics said that they’re “committed to resolving [the matter] as quickly as possible.”

Though the case hadn’t yet been cracked by the time this article went to publication, the unique nature of the crime means the culprits will almost certainly be caught eventually. In the meantime, APB readers should be wary of fowl play in their own jurisdictions. As long as the price of eggs rivals the cost of gasoline, gold bullion and Mickey Mantle baseball cards, other enterprising thieves will certainly be on the lookout for any chance to hatch their own plot.