A 63-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of 24 tons of artisanal cheese. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the man was detained on charges of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods. He was later released on bail while investigations continue.
Details of the Theft
The stolen cheese, valued at over $390,000, was taken from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London on October 21. Neal’s Yard Dairy revealed the arrest on Instagram, thanking police for their efforts and pledging ongoing support for the investigation.
The theft involved 950 wheels of cloth-wrapped cheddar. The suspect posed as a wholesale distributor for a prominent French retailer, deceiving Neal’s Yard Dairy into delivering the cheese. The scam was only discovered after the delivery had been completed.
Three types of cheddar were stolen: Hafod Welsh organic cheddar, Westcombe cheddar, and Pitchfork cheddar. Neal’s Yard Dairy confirmed that all affected cheesemakers have been fully compensated for their losses.
Industry Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Tom Calver from Westcombe described the incident as “a hoax” and “fraud” in an Instagram video. He showed the empty shelves where the cheese had once been stored. Trethowan Brothers, suppliers of Pitchfork Cheddar, praised Neal’s Yard Dairy for their swift payment, calling it a demonstration of “respect and admiration.”
British chef Jamie Oliver also commented on the incident, using his Instagram platform to warn his 10.5 million followers. He urged people to be cautious of large quantities of premium cheddar on the black market. Oliver noted that cheddar, the world’s most consumed cheese, impacts exports to 20 countries. “If the deal seems too gouda to be true, it probably is!” he quipped.
The whereabouts of the stolen cheese remain unknown as the police investigation continues.
