Thieves Make Off With $390,000 Worth of England’s Finest Cheddar
In a heist that sounds like the plot of a cheesy (literally) crime drama or an episode of “Scooby Doo,” thieves made off with nearly 1,000 wheels of award-winning cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy, a prominent distributor of fine British cheeses. Valued at nearly $400,000, this theft has not only left the dairy in shock but has also captured the attention of Scotland Yard.
What Happened?
The world’s cheesiest thieves raided Neal’s Yard Dairy, a renowned distributor of fine British cheeses, stealing nearly 1,000 wheels of award-winning cheddar. In a blog post published on October 22, the distributor announced that the stolen cheese was worth a reported $390,000. That’s a lot of, ahem, cheddar (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves).
The stolen goods included highly prized, cloth-wrapped wheels aged 12 to 18 months. Someone posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer acquired the cheese and disappeared before Neal’s Yard Dairy realized it had been scammed.
Which Cheeses Were Stolen?
The stolen cheese includes three highly regarded types of cheddar: Hafod Welsh organic cheddar, Westcombe cheddar, and Pitchfork cheddar. Each variety is crafted by artisan producers and is highly valued for its quality and extended aging process. Neal’s Yard Dairy distributes these cheeses made from traditional British methods, enhancing their significance in the local market.
Why Was This Cheese Targeted?
The theft appears to have been motivated by the cheese’s high monetary and cultural value. The stolen cheddar is a specialty item in the cheese market and appeals to a niche group of connoisseurs. This artisan-quality cheese is rare and costly, making it a lucrative target for thieves. With its deep roots in English history, the prized cheddar also carries a sentimental significance, adding to its value.
Have the Thieves Been Caught?
The heist attracted the attention of Scotland Yard, which is actively investigating and working with international authorities to trace the cheese. Neal’s Yard Dairy warned cheesemongers to stay vigilant for suspicious stock, especially 22- or 52-pound blocks, as they might indicate stolen goods. Even celebrity chef Jamie Oliver rallied his followers to be on the lookout, nicknaming it the “grate cheese robbery.” We’re personally imagining that a hoard of teenage mutant ninja mice are behind this debacle.
What Does This Mean for the British Cheese Market?
The heist strikes a deep chord with British cheese producers and enthusiasts. Cheddar, originating from the village of the same name in England, is a significant part of the country’s culinary heritage. However, unlike protected foods like Champagne, cheddar can technically be produced anywhere. Because of this, British-made cheddar is especially cherished by locals, who fear that incidents like this could negatively impact small-scale producers and jeopardize the authenticity of British-made cheeses.