THE THEFT OF PARMESAN CHEESE. I have posted about a number of unusual thefts, including posts about the thefts of a ferris wheel, a gold bathtub, and a cast iron building. Eric Sylvers in the Wall Street Journal (June 23-24) reported on thefts of wheels of parmesan cheese, each weighing about 90 pounds. The warehouses for “Parmigiano” cheese must be produced in a restricted area which includes the city of Parma. The wheels are left to age in warehouses, which apparently are not all that well guarded. The wheels are not that heavy for their value and can be quickly cut into smaller pieces.
One reason for the success of thefts is that the artisans are unwilling to spend the approximately 80,000 euros required for warehouse security. A local bank has invested the money for a secure warehouse, and has not been attacked since a 12 person (!) gang was caught in the act eight years ago.