The Big Story
Inside a bitter battle to bring down butter bandits
Nov 8, 2024
Mark Colley, a Toronto-based reporter for the Toronto Star, dives into the bizarre world of butter thefts plaguing Guelph, Ontario. Why are thieves targeting this creamy delight and making off with hundreds of pounds at a time? Colley unravels the intriguing motives behind these heists, from rising prices to potential black market exploits. He also explores the logistical hurdles thieves face in keeping their stolen loot cold and questions the strange demand for such an unexpected commodity. It's a tasty tale of crime and intrigue!
21:14
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Quick takeaways
- The alarming increase in butter thefts in Guelph highlights a troubling trend of high-value retail crime amid rising prices.
- Experts speculate the stolen butter may serve both industrial purposes and individual customers, reflecting diverse motivations behind these thefts.
Deep dives
The Widespread Butter Theft Trend
In a surprising turn of events, Ontario has seen a significant rise in butter thefts, with the town of Guelph reporting nine large-scale incidents over the past year. Reports indicate that these thefts typically involve amounts worth between $900 and $1,200, with thieves stealing entire cases of butter from grocery stores. The method of operation is notably straightforward, as two men often enter the store separately, fill grocery carts or bags with the stolen butter, and then exit the store without paying. This pattern has prompted questions about the motivations behind such brazen thefts and raised curiosity regarding the destination of the stolen goods.
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