In a surprising turn of events, a prominent British chef has made a heartfelt appeal to thieves who recently stole a van containing 2,500 delicious pies. Tommy Banks, owner of two Michelin-starred restaurants along with a pub in Yorkshire, expressed his hope that the culprits would consider giving away the stolen food to those in need.
The van was reportedly taken along with its cargo of pies, including steak and ale, and turkey and butternut squash, which were meant for a Christmas market in York. This loss represents a significant value of approximately £25,000, or around $32,000.
Despite having insurance for the vehicle, Banks emphasized that the pies should not go to waste. In an Instagram video, he encouraged the thieves to leave the pies at a community center or another place where people can benefit from them. He stated, “I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas and maybe we can feed a few thousand people with these pies that you’ve stolen. Do the right thing.”
This pie theft adds to a troubling trend of food-related crimes in the U.K. Earlier this year, a massive cheese heist took place, where nearly 1,000 wheels of artisanal cheddar were stolen. That incident went unresolved despite efforts from both British and international law enforcement, alongside a plea for help from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
As the holiday season approaches, this plea highlights the importance of community support and the spirit of giving, urging even those who have strayed from the right path to consider kindness during this special time.
