LONDON - In a surprising turn of events, a renowned British chef has made a passionate appeal to thieves who recently stole his van, which was packed with 2,500 savory pies.

Tommy Banks, who runs two Michelin-starred restaurants and a pub in Yorkshire, called on the culprits to consider the welfare of those in need.

The Shocking Incident

The shocking incident unfolded when a staff member discovered that the van, filled with delicious steak and ale, as well as turkey and butternut squash pies, had vanished. These pies were set to be sold at the bustling Christmas market in York, valued at an astounding £25,000 (approximately $32,000).

Heartfelt Plea

Although the van was insured, Banks emphasized that the stolen food shouldn't go to waste. In a heartfelt Instagram video, he implored the thieves to spare a moment of compassion during the holiday season. '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,' he urged, suggesting that they drop the pies off at a local community center.

A Growing Concern

This brazen heist is not an isolated incident within the UK's food industry. Just last October, nearly 1,000 wheels of artisanal cheddar cheese, worth around £300,000 ($390,000), were stolen from London's Neal's Yard Dairy. This theft was orchestrated by a con artist posing as a distributor working for a well-known French retailer. Despite extensive international police efforts and an appeal from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the cheese remains missing, and the case continues to baffle authorities.

A Call for Kindness

With the festive season in full swing, the plea from Banks not only highlights the growing concern around food thefts but also rings a bell for generosity and humanity, challenging the thieves to reconsider their choices at a time when giving back is more crucial than ever.