Man arrested after high-value cheese theft

Fraudsters posing as legitimate wholesalers received the 950 clothbound cheeses from the Southwark-based company before it was realised they were a fake firm.

More than 22 tonnes of three artisan cheddars – Hafod Welsh, Westcombe, and Pitchfork – which are all award-winning and have a high monetary value, were taken.

Neal’s Yard Dairy sells Hafod Welsh for £12.90 for a 300g piece, while Westcombe costs £7.15 for 250g and Pitchfork is priced at £11 for 250g.

Neal’s Yard said it had still paid the producers of the cheese so the individual dairies would not have to bear the costs.

It is now trying to deal with the financial setback, a spokesperson said.