A Harrogate restaurant has shared its brie-lliant plan to catch cheese thieves who have been helping themselves to early-morning deliveries.
William and Victoria on Cold Bath Road has repeatedly seen its early-morning deliveries ravaged by thieves in the past few years.
And in an effort to catch those responsible, the venue has decided to set a trap in the form of an AirTag - a tracking device developed by tech giants Apple.
It comes after cameras, lock boxes and a change in delivery patterns weren’t enough to fend off cheese thieves.
After tracking their stolen cheese across Harrogate, William and Victoria staff have taken to the venue’s online blog to share the series of events:
“Friday: Our cheese is swiped at 7:30 a.m. (RIP, Brie). The AirTag leads us to a property near Asda. We take a photo of the door like we’re paparazzi for the dairy underworld.
“Saturday: The cheese moves again. This time, to a dishevelled house half a mile away. We find bikes matching our CCTV footage and another suspiciously run-down door. No knock. Just notes.
“Sunday: The cheese migrates downtown. We chase it through back alleys, businesses, and bins, but it remains elusive.
“Monday: The cheese relocates to the outskirts of town, now resting at a property with a pile of discarded mattresses in the garden. Its AirTag signal blinks defiantly.”
Will and Vics staff are now asking residents to look out for ‘contraband’ cheese on sale.
They said:
“We ask you, the people of Harrogate, to help us make sense of this madness?
“Have you unknowingly purchased contraband cheese? (It pairs terribly with guilt, by the way.)
“Have you noticed shady figures peddling pilfered parmesan? Let us know.”
They added:
“This theft has a cost: not just to us, but to the many independent businesses trying to make ends meet.
“Hospitality is a cornerstone of our community, and we need your support—not just to stay afloat but to thrive.
“So, next time you see a suspicious cyclist with a backpack full of dairy, spare a thought for us and our lost brie. And remember: crime might pay, but cheese always costs.”
Read the full blog via the Will and Vice website here.
Ripon Grammar School girls and boys crowned cricket champions
Council accused of "letting the harm continue" after voting against school transport debate
Harrogate home care company named among UK's top 20
Free family community festival planned for Valley Gardens
Aldborough & Boroughbridge Show returns with new attractions
New deputy leader appointed at North Yorkshire Council
Police appeal after driver crashes into parked car in Knaresborough
Large solar farm and battery storage plant near Knaresborough set for approval
Harrogate councillors accused of "childish political stunts" over no confidence vote
Controversial A1(M) services set for final approval
WATCH: Grove Road teacher is third to receive special end of term treat
Harrogate housing development set for expansion
Rossett School's sponsored walk raises £5,700 for charity
Record crowds enjoy opening day of Great Yorkshire Show
Police appeal after Bilton Co-op theft
'Disappointed' Harrogate Mayor thanks community after culture bid setback
Trio of charities to champion community spirit at Great Yorkshire Show
Fresh call for school transport rethink amid claim new policy could cost £5m a year
WATCH: Markington school teacher wins end of term treat
Pick-your-own-flower attraction to open near Harrogate this weekend
