LONDON — A chef from the UK has made a heartfelt appeal to the individuals who took a van filled with 2,500 delicious pies, requesting that they “do the right thing” and share their ill-gotten goods with those in need.

Tommy Banks, who operates two Michelin-starred dining establishments along with a pub in Yorkshire, revealed that a staff member discovered the absence of the van, which contained pies made from steak and ale as well as turkey and butternut squash. These were prepared for a Christmas market in York, and the total value of the food amounts to an estimated 25,000 pounds ($32,000).

While Banks mentioned that the van is covered by insurance, his main concern is to prevent the food from going to waste. In a video shared on Instagram, he encouraged the thieves to consider dropping off the pies at a local community center or another place where they could be distributed.

“I understand you’re a criminal, but perhaps consider doing something kind this Christmas. You could help feed several thousand people with the pies you’ve taken. Please, do the right thing,” he stated in the video.

This pie theft adds to a troubling trend of gourmet food thefts in the UK. In a notable incident last October, approximately 1,000 wheels of premium cheddar, which weighed 22 metric tons (around 48,488 pounds) and were valued at 300,000 pounds ($390,000), were taken from Neal’s Yard Dairy in London. The perpetrator disguised himself as a wholesale supplier for a leading French retailer.

Despite ongoing efforts from both British and international law enforcement, as well as an appeal from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the stolen cheese remains unlocated. A 63-year-old suspect was detained and interrogated by police but has yet to face any charges.