In a heartwarming yet unusual appeal, a British chef has addressed the thieves who stole his van filled with pies, offering a message of kindness and giving during the holiday season.
A renowned British chef has made a unique appeal to the thieves who stole his van loaded with 2,500 pies worth nearly 8 million Pakistani rupees.
Chef Tommy Banks, instead of demanding justice or asking for the thieves to be caught, urged the criminals to donate the stolen pies to those in need and spread some holiday cheer.
The theft occurred in Yorkshire, where Tommy Banks runs two Michelin-starred restaurants and a pub.
The stolen van was filled with steak and ale, turkey, and butternut squash pies, all prepared for the York Christmas market.
In a video shared on Instagram, the chef directly addressed the thieves, saying, “I know you’re criminals, but do something good because it’s Christmas. Feed a few thousand people the pies you’ve stolen. Do the right thing.”
Banks confirmed that the van was insured, but he emphasized his wish that the food not go to waste and be put to good use.
He said, “I imagine the thieves didn’t realize they were stealing 2,500 pies with the van! All the pies are in boxes with my name on them, so selling them won’t be easy. If you’re the thief and reading this, I urge you to drop the pies somewhere. At least we can give them to those who need food, and it won’t go to waste. I hope you won’t receive any gifts this Christmas.”