In a bizarre turn of events, thieves in northern England have found themselves in a sticky situation after stealing a van loaded with 2,500 pies, valued at approximately £25,000 ($48,800). The incident has captured the attention of the public, particularly because the pies were prepared by Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, known for his culinary excellence and innovative dishes.
The theft occurred just before the pies were set to be delivered to the York Christmas Market, a popular festive event that attracts visitors from all over. Chef Banks, who owns the acclaimed Michelin-starred pub The Black Swan in Oldstead, took to Instagram to share the shocking news. In a heartfelt video, he expressed his dismay, stating, “We’ve been robbed,” and highlighted the absurdity of the situation by noting that the thieves had likely not considered the sheer volume of pies they had stolen.
Banks humorously addressed the thieves directly in his video, emphasizing that the pies were not just any ordinary baked goods. “Out there somewhere is our van and nearly a ton of pies with my name written all over them,” he said, making it clear that selling the stolen goods would be a challenge due to their identifiable packaging. He urged the criminals to do the right thing and return the pies, suggesting they could drop them off at a community center to help those in need during the festive season.
The chef’s plea resonated with many, as he pointed out the potential for the pies to feed thousands of people. “I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas,” he added, showcasing a sense of compassion even in the face of adversity. His message was not just about the loss of the pies but also about the spirit of giving that is often emphasized during the holiday season.
In a follow-up post, Banks provided an update on the investigation. He revealed that the police believed they had located the stolen van, which had been abandoned and was found with fake license plates. However, the fate of the pies remained uncertain, leaving many to wonder whether they would ever see the light of day again. North Yorkshire Police confirmed the vehicle’s recovery and stated that an investigation was ongoing, urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a recent theft involving Neal’s Yard Dairy, a renowned London-based cheese company that fell victim to a scam resulting in the loss of nearly 22 tonnes of artisanal cheese. Such unusual heists have raised concerns about food security and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit valuable goods.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that the pies will be recovered and put to good use. Chef Tommy Banks’ call for kindness amidst the chaos serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, especially during the holiday season. His unique approach to addressing the thieves has not only highlighted the absurdity of the crime but also sparked conversations about the value of food and the need to support those in need.
In the world of culinary arts, where passion and creativity thrive, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise, even in the most unexpected circumstances. The story of the stolen pies has captured the imagination of many, turning a theft into a narrative of hope and community spirit.
