Man arrested after £300k worth of cheese stolen

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A total of 950 wheels of cheese were stolen. Credit: Getty / Valeria Titarenco

A man has been arrested in connection with the theft of 22 tonnes of cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that it has placed a 63-year-old man under arrest after the 950 wheels of cheese, reported to be worth £300,000, were delivered to a fake wholesaler.

Neal’s Yard Dairy works with 40 cheesemakers across the UK and Ireland and operates a store on Borough Market in South London.

According to the BBC, the cheddar wheels originated from producers including Hafod Welsh, Westcombe and Pitchfork, all of whom have been paid by Neal’s Yard Dairy prior to the cheese being stolen.

“On Monday, 21 October police received a report of the theft of a large quantity of cheese from a manufacturer based in Southwark,” said a Met spokesperson.

“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 enquiries. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

Food Manufacture has reached out to Neal’s Yard Dairy for comment, as well as the cheesemakers that supplied the firm.

In other news, Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have become co-owners of Wrexham Lager after purchasing a stake in the Welsh brewer.