Thousands of meat pies stolen in unusual five-figure heist

Authorities in the United Kingdom were recently able to recover a stolen van that was filled with a whopping 2,500 pies in a bizarre food heist that took a wrong turn. The estimated value of these savory treats was a staggering 25,000 British pounds, which is equivalent to $32,000. These pies belonged to Tommy Banks, a renowned restaurateur who owns two Michelin-starred establishments.

The stolen van was supposed to transport the delicious steak and ale pies, along with a turkey and butternut variety, to a Christmas market in York. However, the theft of the pies caused quite a commotion on social media as Banks reached out to his followers to help locate the missing pies.

“Thieves! Keep your eyes on the Pies!!” Banks urgently posted on social media before the van was eventually recovered. He pleaded with the thieves to “do the right thing” and drop off the pies at a community center to ensure that the food wouldn’t go to waste.

After the van was found, it was revealed that the pies were left behind but unfortunately too damaged to be consumed or sold. While the van was insured, Banks expressed his disappointment at the loss of the savory pies, calling it a “waste” and stating that it was not a happy ending to the story.

This incident of stolen pies is just one of the many unusual food heists that have occurred in the United Kingdom this year. In a separate incident in October, a group of thieves disguised as wholesale distributors managed to steal over 950 wheels of English cheddar cheese, valued at a staggering $390,000. Local residents were urged to be on the lookout for specific types of clothbound Cheddars in either a 22-pound or 52-pound format with detached tags.

It seems that food thefts are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with criminals targeting valuable and delectable items. Despite the recovery of the stolen van, the loss of the pies serves as a stark reminder of the impact of such crimes on businesses and the community.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.