A man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing more 900 wheels of cheese from a dairy shop in London.
The Daily Star reported on Saturday (October 26) how the wheels of premium Cheddar were stolen from Neal’s Yard Dairy.
Detectives investigating the theft of 22 tonnes of cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy have arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.
The thieves managed to trick the artisanal cheese retailer into handing over £300,000 worth of cheese by posing as a major French retailer. The Borough Market-based cheese manufacturer handed over 22 tonnes of premium Cheddar in the sophisticated con – and only afterwards realised the whole thing was a scam.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “On Monday, October 21, police received a report of the theft of a large quantity of cheese from a manufacturer based in Southwark.
“Investigating officers have since arrested a 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 where he was questioned. He has since been bailed pending further inquiries. Inquiries remain ongoing.”
Jamie Oliver posted about the theft on his Instagram page, writing: “In a shocking turn of events, Neal’s Yard Dairy has fallen victim to a brazen heist of epic proportions. A staggering 22 tonnes of premium cheddar, worth £300,000, have vanished, leaving the cheese world reeling.”
It is unknown where the cheese may have headed. One cheesemaker, whose cheese was stolen as part of the con, believes it may be heading to Russia.
Patrick Holden’s, owner of Hafod Welsh Cheddar, previously told the Star: “I think they’re hoping to sell it in the Middle East or Russia, that’s my guess. Because people won’t ask questions there. I think if they tried to sell it closer to home they’d find it difficult because the international artisan community is very connected.
“If they tried to sell it in North America, where we sell a lot of Hafod, or even Australia believe it or not, the balloon would go up because people would ask questions.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.