Newsroom
Detectives investigating the high-profile theft of 22 tons of cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy have arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods, police confirmed.
The London-based cheese retailer reportedly delivered 950 wheels of cheddar, valued at up to £300,000, to a fraudster posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer. Suppliers believe the cheese, a specialty product crafted by Westcombe Dairy and others, may now be in Russia or the Middle East after being taken in a scam on Oct. 21.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated that the suspect was questioned at a south London police station and has been released on bail as the investigation continues.
In a show of support, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver urged his 10.5 million Instagram followers to stay alert for any “lorryloads of posh cheese” being sold at unusually low prices. “There has been a great cheese robbery,” he wrote. “If anyone hears about posh cheese going cheap, it’s probably some wrong’uns.”
Despite the significant financial impact, Neal’s Yard ensured full payment to Somerset’s Westcombe Dairy, as well as producers Hafod and Pitchfork, to shield them from losses. Tom Calver, Westcombe’s director, expressed gratitude, calling Neal’s Yard’s support “fantastic” amid the challenging blow.
The incident has left many, including Ben Ticehurst, head cheesemaker at Trethowan Brothers’ Pitchfork cheddar, puzzled. “Who wants that much cheese?” he asked. “If you’re not a supermarket, what do you do with 22 tons of it? It’s really puzzling for us, and so hopefully the arrest will bring answers.”
The investigation remains active as detectives work to unravel the unusual caper.
[Information sourced from The Guardian]
