A man has been arrested in connection with the theft of artisan cheese including wheels of Welsh cheddar. Police investigating the theft of more than 22 tonnes of cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy said they have arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud and handling stolen goods in London.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the theft was reported on Monday, October 21, where a large quantity of cheese was stolen from a manufacturer based in Southwark. The investigating officers apprehended the 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods. The man was taken to a south London police station for questioning, and has been bailed pending further inquiries with ongoing investigations.
Neal’s Yard Dairy had delivered over 950 wheels of Welsh cheddar, valued at around £300,000, to the alleged fraudster who claimed to be a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer. Despite the theft, the company ensured that the producers of the Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork cheese were still paid, alleviating them from the financial burden. For reference, Hafod West is priced at £12.90 for a 300g piece, Westcombe costs £7.17 for 250g, and Pitchfork is priced at £11 for 250g.
Cheesemongers worldwide were urged by Neal’s Yard Dairy to contact them if they suspect they have been offered or sold the stolen cheese, particularly clothbound cheddars in a 10kg or 24kg format with detached tags. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver also joined in the appeal, warning people to watch out for suspicious sales of “posh cheese.” He took to his social media platform, urging his followers to be cautious of “lorryloads of posh cheese” being sold “for cheap.”
Tom Calver, director of Westcombe Dairy in Somerset, which produced some of the stolen cheese, expressed his distress upon hearing about the theft. He praised Neal’s Yard Dairy’s support and highlighted the significance of artisan foods by stating, “It is a huge, very difficult loss.” Calver further remarked on the audacity of stealing 22 tonnes of cheese, emphasising the value people place on these high-quality products.
The arrest in connection with the cheese theft has raised awareness about the impact of food theft crimes on producers and businesses. The ongoing investigations and collaborations between authorities and dairy companies aim to prevent such incidents in the future. The support and vigilance of the community, as seen through the response to this theft, play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the food industry.