Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks is appealing for help after a refrigerated van containing 2,500 pies, valued at £25,000, was stolen from Barker Business Park in Melmerby on Sunday night. The vehicle was supposed to deliver pies to Banks’ pop-up stall at the York Christmas Market, but staff discovered it missing on Monday morning.
The stolen pies included a variety of flavors such as steak and ale, turkey and cranberry, and butternut squash. Banks noted that the stolen inventory would have been enough to stock his pie shop for an entire week. The theft represents not just a financial loss, but also a significant setback for his team, who had invested considerable time and effort in preparing the pies.
“Vans get replaced on insurance, but all that work and those ingredients have just been stolen,” Banks told the BBC. He expressed particular frustration about the potential waste of the pies, wondering what the thieves might do with them.
In response to the theft, Banks has taken to social media with a video appeal, urging the thieves to “do the right thing.” He suggested donating the pies to a community center to prevent thousands of meals from going to waste. “I know they’ve gone now and we aren’t going to recover them to sell,” he said, “but I just think that’s 2,500 people we could feed, and there are a lot of people who could do with a hot meal right now.”
Despite the setback, Banks and his team are working diligently to recover from the loss. “The guys are absolutely scrambling, but I think we have enough to get through today, and we’re just working like crazy to make more,” he explained. He remains hopeful that they will be able to restock and continue serving their customers.
North Yorkshire Police have been informed about the theft and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The incident highlights not only the financial impact of such a crime but also the potential community waste it creates.
Banks’ appeal demonstrates both the practical challenges of running a food business and a compassionate approach to potentially turning a negative situation into an opportunity to help those in need. By suggesting the pies could be donated to those who are hungry, he has drawn attention to the broader social implications of the theft.
The story has garnered significant attention, with Banks hoping that public awareness might lead to the recovery of the stolen pies or information about their whereabouts. His primary concern remains ensuring that the food does not go to waste and potentially helps feed those in the community who are struggling.
