Cheese Theft Epidemic: Retailers Grapple with Criminals Targeting Dutch Dairy Products
Source: The DairyNews
Dutch dairy product retailers are facing a surge in criminal activity as cheese heists become increasingly prevalent, warns the dairy producer’s union Boerderijzuivelbond.
Wim Meure, chairman of the association, disclosed to RTL Nieuws that while cheese thefts are not new, they have escalated into a significant issue in recent years. In a notable incident in 2022, thieves absconded with 1,600 kilos of cheese valued at €21,000 fr om a dairy farm in Fijnaart, Noord Brabant.
The allure of cheese as a lucrative target for theft is underscored by Meure's assertion that entire wheels of cheese can fetch prices ranging from €100 to €150.
Despite each cheese being identifiable by registration numbers, making them traceable, theft remains a persistent problem. In 2020, authorities arrested two individuals for pilfering 300 cheeses valued at €40,000 in Lievelde, Gelderland. The culprits attempted to sell the stolen cheeses on the online auction site Marktplaats, but their scheme was thwarted thanks to the traceability of the products.
The latest theft incident occurred in Utrecht, wh ere retailer Martijn van der Valk was dismayed to find his shop devoid of cheese and other products shortly after stocking up for Easter. Van der Valk estimates his losses at around €20,000 and fears that his stolen cheeses have likely been smuggled abroad, evading traceability measures.
For cheese sellers like Van der Valk, these thefts represent not only a significant financial setback but also a logistical nightmare. Meure laments that it will take at least a year for affected retailers to replenish their stock, as high-quality cheese requires a minimum of 12 months to mature.
As authorities grapple with the escalating cheese theft epidemic, retailers are left to contend with the aftermath, facing substantial losses and prolonged disruptions to their businesses.
The allure of cheese as a lucrative target for theft is underscored by Meure's assertion that entire wheels of cheese can fetch prices ranging from €100 to €150.
Despite each cheese being identifiable by registration numbers, making them traceable, theft remains a persistent problem. In 2020, authorities arrested two individuals for pilfering 300 cheeses valued at €40,000 in Lievelde, Gelderland. The culprits attempted to sell the stolen cheeses on the online auction site Marktplaats, but their scheme was thwarted thanks to the traceability of the products.
The latest theft incident occurred in Utrecht, wh ere retailer Martijn van der Valk was dismayed to find his shop devoid of cheese and other products shortly after stocking up for Easter. Van der Valk estimates his losses at around €20,000 and fears that his stolen cheeses have likely been smuggled abroad, evading traceability measures.
For cheese sellers like Van der Valk, these thefts represent not only a significant financial setback but also a logistical nightmare. Meure laments that it will take at least a year for affected retailers to replenish their stock, as high-quality cheese requires a minimum of 12 months to mature.
As authorities grapple with the escalating cheese theft epidemic, retailers are left to contend with the aftermath, facing substantial losses and prolonged disruptions to their businesses.
23.09.2024
Carbon emissions in global milk production - the elephant in the room
I have been thinking to make this post yes/ no. I decided for yes and like to ask everyone to not "shoot the messenger". The chart shows an analysis of IFCN Dairy Research Network from the 2024 supporter conference in Poland.
