Lobster Loot: Miami Seafood Swindler Gets a Taste of Justice

A man named Joseph Paul Putzulu, was nabbed by the Florida police for committing the most audacious lobster crime since someone tried to steal my plastic bib. This lobster- bandit allegedly pulled off the daring feat by swiping over a grand worth of lobsters from a Miami restaurant. Can you imagine the size of the pot of boiling water you'd need for that?

Now, this character didn't just stroll in and ask for a doggy bag.  No way. According to WPLG, He was charged with two felony counts of burglarizing an unoccupied structure. I guess when you're stealing lobsters, you've gotta go big or go home. And speaking of homes, this guy was even out on felony bond when he got caught with all those red-claws.

The whole caper started when the Miami Police Department got a call from a flustered restaurant owner who realized his food freezer was as open. After some intense Sherlock Holmes-level video surveillance, they figured out that the same guy had pulled off a lobster heist just a few days prior.

Our lobster-loving looter wasn't new to the criminal game either. He had a resume that included trespassing and possession of cocaine. This man's idea of a good time involves snorting coke and copping crustaceans.

This Putzulu fella was apparently throwing lobsters over fences, using black carts to scale walls. Plus making a dramatic exit with stolen seafood. I guess it's true what they say... If you're gonna party, then party hard. Like a lobster.

However, when it comes to lobster thievery, just stick to the dining table. Leave the criminal mastermind plans to Netflix. Your taste buds will thank you, and you won't end up on the news as the "Lobster Bandit" trying to pull off the shellfish heist of the century. See what I did there?

If you're a seafood lover, being in Florida we have so many amazing options and two seafood restaurants in the state are being named Best in America.

I'm not a huge meat eater, but I do eat fish almost every day. When choosing a restaurant to dine out at, I like to go with one that has great seafood options. When I lived up north, seafood was always available, but nothing compares to what we have fresh down here. I like it all, from shrimp, salmon, scallops, crabs, oysters, grouper, if it swims in the sea, chances are I'll like it.

I also enjoy trying new restaurants whenever I can. Now, there's a few I'll have to check out, locally or when I'm traveling. Restaurant Clicks put together a list of 18 of the best restaurants in the country for seafood lovers. While they're not here in Southwest Florida, the two that made the list aren't too far away. If you have a weekend getaway to either city, they would definitely be worth a visit.

There's so many way seafood can be enjoyed. Fried, broiled, grilled, raw and this list of restaurants stand out when it comes to quality seafood dishes.

Le Bernadin has been serving up delicious dishes since 1986 and is one of the only restaurants in New York City with three Michelin stars

Named after the French word for “catch,” Pêche creates their menu with inspiration from Spain, South America, and the Gulf Coast

You can find this upscale fine-dining destination just minutes away from Hollywood

If you're looking for authentic New England seafood, Matunuck Oyster Bar is a casual, waterfront dining option, located minutes away from Hazard Island

Coni’Seafood specializes in Mexican seafood with a menu offering a wide selection of shrimp-based dishes, ceviches, and fish-centric dishes with a kick

You can find Neptune Oyster in Boston’s North End neighborhood

The Walrus and the Carpenter is near Salmon Bay and the West Woodland neighborhood perfect for enjoying small plates on their outdoor patio

From everybody I know that has visited Maui, this restaurant lands on everyone's list of one of the best they've ever been to. On my bucket list for sure!

167 Raw offers guests authentic New England-style specialty dishes with a twist

When I lived in Chicago, this was a stop I'd make before heading to House of Blues for a show. Everything I've had at Shaw's has been amazing.

Bob's Clam Hut has quick counter service and is perfect for guests who prefer their food to go.

You can find Swan Oyster Depot near San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood

If you're looking for cajun casual, The Angry Crab offers plenty of grilled and fried seafood dishes

Mignonette, located in the Edgewater neighborhood, has a cozy atmosphere and an International wine list

You can customize creative fish tacos, sandwiches, and other dishes at Pacific Beach Fish Shop while enjoying the casual ambiance and dog-friendly patios

At Safe Harbor Seafood, you can take your over-the-counter dishes to go or dine outdoors by the piers overlooking the St. Johns River

Red Fish Grill is a popular destination for authentic New Orleans cuisine in the French Quarter District, also serving brunch on weekends

GW Fins is also in the French Quarter, an upscale restaurant, offering a seasonal menu to ensure the freshest ingredients