A truck driver woke up to a group of men stealing 100 cases of snow crabs worth $30,000 from the back of his vehicle in Philadelphia Thursday, according to local police.

The heist occurred around 5:31 a.m. Thursday. The driver was asleep in his truck when he woke up and felt his truck shaking, the Philadelphia Police Department told USA TODAY Tuesday morning.

Land Line, a trucking magazine, also reported that there was a security system on the truck that alerted the driver.

He got out of the truck and saw 12 men stealing boxes of crabs from the back of his truck. He confronted the men when several of them started to punch and kick him. 

They also took his cell phone before fleeing the area in at least four SUVs, police said, adding that the men were wearing face coverings and dark clothing.

The haul of crab is worth $30,000, Capt. Jack Ryan of the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY Tuesday afternoon.

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The dangers of truck driving and ways to protect yourself

The heist is the latest in truck robberies throughout the city.

In early April, WPVI reported that a refrigerated truck carrying pallets of pork was robbed. The thieves took more than $12,000 in pork, the outlet said.

Last month, another trucker was robbed of Bourbon and in January, thieves took about $20,000 worth of meat from a truck, WPVI said.

The station said truck drivers often park to get some rest. That's when the thieves put their plans in motion.

Class A Drivers is a website that helps truckers find job opportunities. The website also lists safety tips for drivers. The website said it's best to:

• Give yourself enough time to park in a safe area.
• Look into weigh stations that are open 24/7 because they are the safest for parking (but check with personnel will allow it and let you use their bathroom).
• Shut your truck off if you leave it, and don't forget to bring your keys and cell phone.
• Have some form of self-protection such as mace, pepper spray, a taser, a crowbar, a billy club, a small baseball bat or a metal flashlight.
• Make sure you know gun laws for the states you're traveling through and ask if your employer allows its drivers to carry.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].