### Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver Alerts Public to Stolen Gourmet Cheddar

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has urged the public to be vigilant following the theft of over 22 tonnes of premium cheddar from Neal's Yard Dairy, a renowned London cheese retailer. Fraudsters, disguised as legitimate wholesalers for a prominent French retailer, acquired the 950 clothbound cheeses, valued at more than £300,000, before their scam was uncovered.

In a post on Instagram, Oliver informed his followers of the "great cheese robbery," describing it as a significant loss. "Some of the best cheddar cheese in the world has been stolen," he said. He expressed his concern about the fate of the stolen goods, suggesting that if anyone encounters "posh cheese" being sold at suspiciously low prices, it is likely linked to the theft.

Oliver speculated on the possible outcomes for the stolen cheddar, questioning whether the thieves might strip the cloth, cut, grate, and sell it through fast food or commercial avenues. He admitted that the whole situation seemed surreal and unusual.

The heist included three types of artisan cheddars: Hafod Welsh, Westcombe, and Pitchfork—all award-winning cheeses with high market value. For instance, Neal's Yard Dairy sells Hafod Welsh for £12.90 per 300g, Westcombe for £7.15 per 250g, and Pitchfork at £11 per 250g.

Despite the theft, Neal's Yard Dairy ensured that the producers were compensated and are now collaborating with the police to track down the culprits. A spokesperson for the company stated that they are working to overcome the financial impact of the crime. The firm has also called on cheesemongers globally to report any suspicious cheddar, particularly those sold in 10kg or 24kg formats with missing tags.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they received a report on Monday regarding the cheese theft from a manufacturer in Southwark. Investigations are ongoing, but no arrests have been made yet.