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The shocking theft of cheddar cheese
In a bizarre turn of events that has left the artisanal cheese community reeling, a 63-year-old man was arrested in London for allegedly orchestrating the theft of 950 wheels of cheddar cheese, valued at over $389,000.
The incident, which has been humorously dubbed ‘the grate cheese robbery,’ involved the renowned cheesemonger Neal’s Yard Dairy, who fell victim to a cunning ruse by the thief posing as a representative of a French retailer.
How the heist unfolded
According to reports, the thief managed to convince Neal’s Yard Dairy to hand over a staggering 48,000 pounds worth of artisanal cheddar, including varieties like Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork. The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody for questioning and has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
The details surrounding the theft remain murky, leaving many to wonder how someone could pull off such an audacious crime.
The community reacts
The artisanal cheese community has expressed both shock and support in the wake of this theft. Ben Ticehurst, head cheese maker at Trethowan Brothers dairy, voiced his confusion, questioning the motives behind such a large-scale cheese acquisition.
“Who wants that much cheese? If you’re not a supermarket, what do you do with 22 tonnes of cheese?” he pondered. Theories have emerged regarding the potential resale of the stolen cheese, with some speculating that it could be sold in markets where questions about provenance are less likely to be asked, such as the Middle East or Russia.
Support for the cheesemakers
In a show of solidarity, Neal’s Yard Dairy has committed to reimbursing their cheesemakers for their losses, a move that has been widely praised within the community. Tom Calver, director of Westcombe Dairy, expressed gratitude for Neal’s Yard’s support, emphasizing the importance of community in times of crisis.
“It is a huge, very difficult loss,” he stated, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.
A call to action
In light of the theft, the artisanal cheese community is rallying together, urging cheese lovers to remain vigilant and support local producers. Neal’s Yard Dairy took to social media to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received, encouraging customers to continue purchasing British and Irish cheese. “We will be here, championing British and Irish cheese, for a long time to come,” they affirmed, reminding everyone of the importance of community in preserving the integrity of artisanal food.
