Video: UK chef urges thieves who stole his van with 2,500 pies to donate the loot

A British chef, Tommy Banks, has made an unusual appeal after thieves swiped a van loaded with 2,500 pies worth £25,000 (approximately Rs 27 lakh). Instead of demanding justice, Banks urged the culprits to spread some holiday cheer by “doing the right thing” – donating the stolen pies to those in need.
The theft occurred in Yorkshire, where Banks runs two Michelin-starred restaurants and a pub. The stolen van was packed with steak and ale, turkey, and butternut squash pies, all destined for a Christmas market in York.
In a video shared on Instagram, the chef addressed the thieves directly, saying, “I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas. Feed a few thousand people with these pies that you’ve stolen. Do the right thing.”
Banks confirmed the van was insured but emphasised his desire to see the food put to good use rather than wasted.
“I am guessing the thieves didn’t realise they were stealing 2,500 pies along with the van! The pies are all in boxes with my name on them, so not very easy to sell. If you are thieves and read this, I urge you to drop the pies off somewhere. So we can at least give them to people who need food, and it is not wasted. I hope you don’t get any presents this Christmas,” Banks said as he shared the video.
Watch the video here:
Social media users rallied behind his plea and applauded the chef’s optimism. “Sending the biggest hug, Tommy,” a user said, while another added, “So sorry to hear this, Tommy. Hope these pies make it to those who need them.”
See the comments here:
The ‘pie heist’ is not the only food-related theft to make headlines in the UK lately. In October, a staggering 22 metric tonnes (22,000 kg) of artisanal cheddar was stolen from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London. Despite efforts from British and international police and even an appeal from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the cheese remains missing.