In a bizarre Christmas crime that has captured national attention, a van containing £25,000 ($31,700) worth of artisanal pies and festive delicacies has been stolen in North Yorkshire, England, leaving a Michelin-starred chef pleading with the culprits to “do the right thing.”

A personal appeal from a renowned chef

Tommy Banks, owner of multiple acclaimed restaurants in the region, took to Instagram with an unprecedented public appeal to the thieves. “I know you’re a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it’s Christmas and maybe we can feed a few thousand people with these pies that you’ve stolen; do the right thing,” Banks implored in a heartfelt video message.

The stolen bounty

The stolen van was packed with a mouth-watering array of gourmet holiday fare, including steak and ale pies, turkey and butternut squash pies, along with accompanying gravy and custard—all carefully prepared for the York Christmas Market. Banks revealed that the vehicle was loaded with approximately 2,500 pies, each bearing his distinctive branding.

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A thief’s oversight?

In a twist of irony, Banks suggested the thieves might not have realized the true value of their theft. “I’m guessing the thieves didn’t realize they were stealing 2,500 pies along with the van! The pies are all in boxes with my name on, so not very easy to sell,” he wrote in his social media post.

North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into the theft, urging anyone with information to come forward. Banks has cautioned the public about potential attempts to sell the stolen goods and has emphasized his primary concern—preventing food waste during the holiday season.

“If you are the 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 they are not wasted,” Banks continued, highlighting the potential to turn this criminal act into an act of unexpected charity.

The chef expressed more concern about the potential loss of food than the van itself. He fears the thieves might abandon the vehicle, leading to the destruction of the carefully prepared holiday delicacies that were meant to feed thousands during the festive season.

North Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the theft and welcome any information that might lead to the recovery of the stolen van and its valuable cargo.