Police are investigating the theft of 2,500 pies that were left in a van, along with 100 litres of gravy. Michelin-star chef Tommy Banks reported the theft after the vehicle full of pies was taken from an industrial estate. The steak and ale, turkey and cranberry, and butternut squash crusted pies were intended to be sold at a Christmas market for £10 each. Although the van was recovered with the food still inside, the pies were damaged beyond repair, resulting in a total loss.
The stolen refrigerated white Fiat Ducato van was taken from Melmerby, North Yorkshire and later found dumped in Middlesbrough with false plates. Cleveland Police discovered the abandoned van on Friday night and moved it to a garage for forensic checks. Despite finding the van with the food inside, there were no reports of it being stolen at the time. It wasn’t until North Yorkshire Police saw a note on the Police National Computer about the van’s discovery that they contacted Cleveland Police to report the theft.
The police authorities expressed disappointment about the loss of the pies and gravy, stating that they were just as saddened as everyone else about the incident. North Yorkshire Police has initiated an investigation into the theft to apprehend the culprits responsible for stealing the pies. Meanwhile, chef Tommy Banks took to Instagram to share the unfortunate news about the damage to the pies, expressing his regret over the situation. The delicious pies, which were a part of the Christmas market offerings in York, will no longer be available for sale due to the damage incurred during the theft.
In another pastry-related news, a Scottish baker has introduced a new creation called “The Big Daddy Donner Pie”, inspired by the popular kebab dish. This unique pastry creation combines the flavors of a traditional pie with the savory and spicy elements of a donner kebab, creating a fusion of two beloved dishes. The launch of this innovative pastry has generated interest and excitement among food enthusiasts, offering a new and creative culinary experience. As food trends continue to evolve, bakers and chefs are exploring new ways to reinvent classic dishes and create unique flavor combinations to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
The theft of the pies and the subsequent damage to the food highlights the impact of criminal activities on businesses and individuals, causing financial losses and disruptions to operations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures to protect valuable assets and goods from theft and vandalism. Business owners and authorities must work together to prevent and address criminal activities, ensuring the safety and security of communities and businesses. The recovery of the stolen van with the pies inside underscores the efforts of law enforcement agencies in investigating and resolving such incidents to bring justice to those affected.
As the investigation into the pie theft continues, authorities are focused on identifying the perpetrators and holding them accountable for their actions. The collaboration between different police departments and the swift response to the theft demonstrate the commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the interests of businesses and individuals. Despite the setback caused by the theft, the resilience and determination of the chef and the community in the face of adversity highlight the spirit of perseverance and unity in overcoming challenges. The introduction of innovative pastries like “The Big Daddy Donner Pie” showcases the creativity and ingenuity of culinary artists in experimenting with flavors and textures to delight and surprise food enthusiasts.
