Man arrested over high-value cheddar theft

A man has been arrested on suspicion of fraud and handling stolen goods following the theft of 22t of high-value cheddar cheese from London cheese specialist Neal’s Yard Dairy.

The theft, which occurred on 21 October, involved the pilfering of approximately 950 wheels of cheese, valued at about £300,000.

The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after reports surfaced regarding the missing cheese, which is renowned for its quality and is a key product for Neal’s Yard Dairy, based in Southwark.

See also: Fraudsters steal 22 tonnes of high-value cheddar

The 63-year old suspect was arrested on 31 October and questioned at a police station in south London. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Det Insp Sarah Johnson, from the Metropolitan Police, said that the arrest is a significant step in the ongoing investigation.

“We are committed to tackling food-related crime and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” she added.

Neal’s Yard Dairy, based in London, has expressed relief at the progress made in the investigation.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We appreciate the efforts of the police and the support from the community during this challenging time.”

‘Biggest order’

Patrick Holden, owner of Holden Farm Dairy, confirmed to The Independent that 2.5t of Hafod Welsh Cheddar, from his 90-cow herd, was included in the stock stolen.

He said: “It was the biggest order we ever had – so it was quite a shock. Our cheese is limited in quantity, but we had it in storage and we worked out it was the most we could spare.

“The people who did the heist covered their tracks. They got it delivered to a warehouse on the outskirts of London where transport was waiting to take it away – so they broke the chain.”