Brazen thieves steal 22 TONNES of cheddar cheese after pretending to be French buyer – as Jamie Oliver blasts scammers
THIEVES have stolen 950 wheels of cheese after posing as a French buyer, with Jamie Oliver blasting the culprits.
Neal’s Yard Dairy in London announced it had lost over 22 tonnes of premium Cheddar cheese following the alleged scam.
The cheese manufacturer mistakenly sent the 950 wheels, worth £300,000, to the fraudsters, thinking they were a legitimate wholesale distributor.
Responding to the news on his Instagram story, Jamie Oliver wrote: “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.”
In a statement, posted to the company’s Instagram, a spokesperson said: “The theft involved a fraudulent buyer posing as a legitimate wholesale distributor for a major French retailer.
“Over 950 wheels of Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork Cheddar were delivered before the fraud was discovered.
“Despite the significant financial blow, we have honoured our commitment to our small-scale suppliers and paid all three artisan cheesemakers in full.”
The spokesperson went on to explain that it was working with law enforcement to identify the perpetrators.
It also urged anyone with information – such as those who may be offered the cheese – to come forward, clarifying that the clothbound wheels come in 10kg and 24kg forms.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “On Monday, 21 October we received a report of the theft of a large quantity of cheese from a manufacturer based in Southwark.
“Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances.”
Police said no arrests have been made related to the alleged theft.
Neal’s Yard Dairy urged anyone with information to contact info@nealsyarddairy.co.uk.