Search for Swindler Who Absconded with 22 Tons of Handcrafted Cheese

An artisan cheese manufacturer based in London has fallen victim to an alleged scam, losing over 22 tonnes of cheddar to a con artist.

Neal’s Yard Dairy disclosed that they unknowingly delivered more than 950 wheels of mature cheddar to an imposter posing as a wholesale distributor for a prominent French retailer before realizing the deceit.

In a statement, the company revealed: “The stolen cheese consisted of over 22 tonnes … comprising three artisan Cheddars, including Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar, Westcombe Cheddar, and Pitchfork Cheddar.

“These cheeses have collectively garnered numerous awards and are highly coveted artisan cheeses in the UK. The substantial monetary value of these cheeses likely attracted the attention of the thieves.”

‘Lorryloads of Posh Cheese’

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has urged his social media followers to stay vigilant for “lorryloads of posh cheese” being sold at discounted prices.

Oliver, addressing his 10.5 million Instagram followers, lamented: “A significant cheese robbery has taken place. Some of the finest cheddar cheese in the world has been stolen.”

He described the incident as a “real shame,” remarking: “If anyone hears about posh cheese being sold cheaply, it’s likely the work of shady individuals.

“So if anyone hears anything about lorryloads of posh cheese, I mean I don’t know what they are going to do with it, really.

“Are they going to unpeel it from the cloth, and cut it and grate it and get rid of it in the fast food industry, in the commercial industry? I don’t know—it feels like a really weird thing to nick.”

Neal’s Yard urged cheesemongers worldwide to reach out if they suspect they have purchased the stolen cheese, especially clothbound cheddars in a 10kg or 24kg format with detached tags.

In a statement on its Instagram page, the company expressed gratitude for the “support” it has received following news of the alleged theft.

The statement continued: “Many of you have asked how you can help. To that, we say: continue to support British and Irish cheese. Hafod, Pitchfork, and Westcombe are exemplary farmhouse cheddars. Indulge in them. Appreciate them.

“We will persist in championing British and Irish cheese for the foreseeable future.”

‘Regenerative Farming’

Tom Calver, director of Westcombe Dairy in Westcombe, Somerset, which produced some of the stolen cheese, expressed being “deeply distressed” upon learning of the incident.

Neal’s Yard ensured compensation for Westcombe, as well as another producer, Hafod and Pitchfork, to prevent them from suffering financial losses, “despite the significant financial setback.”

Calver’s Westcombe Cheddar, aged for 12 to 18 months, retails for £7 per 250g.

He remarked: “My concern lies in the aspect of trust in such matters. Ultimately, we need to foster greater trust in the food supply system, not diminish it.

“I hope more individuals will seek to know the origins of their food,” he added, noting that his company is striving to engage in “regenerative farming, working in harmony with nature.”

There have been speculations among cheese producers that the pilfered truckles, which can fetch up to £45 per kilo, might be destined for overseas markets, potentially Russia or the Middle East, where fewer questions are likely to be asked about their source.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrests have been made yet, and investigations are ongoing.

PA Media contributed to this article