£50,000 Confectionery Theft

Over 300,000 bags and boxes of award-winning fudge and toffee, boiled sweets and chocolate, which were destined for retailers across the UK, were stolen.

Products from the company’s Ultimate English range – exclusively available to independent retailers – were also taken.

The company is asking consumers and retailers to look out for items branded Ultimate English, Ultimate Collection, Confection by Design or Serious Sweet Company being sold in unusual circumstances and report any instances to the police.

Rob Whitehead, MD of the Serious Sweet Company and Confection by Design said, “The theft has caused a lot of disruption which could not have happened at a worse time than in the run up to Christmas. Obviously the value of the stolen stock is significant but what’s more upsetting is the impact it will have on our ability to meet Christmas orders for our customers, particularly those who stock the Ultimate English range.

“We have spent the last nine months building up a strong base of fantastic independent retailers who have given us immense support in launching Ultimate English and we will do whatever we can to make sure we don’t let them down.

“As a team we are working hard to produce and pack more products so we can fulfil our Christmas orders and still make show and event commitments. Although it might come in slightly different packaging, I guarantee our fudge fans won’t be left without their sugar fix this festive period.

“Once again, we urge anyone who spots products bearing the brands Ultimate English, Ultimate Collection or Serious Sweet Company to contact the police as soon as possible and help us spread the word far and wide to catch these sweet-toothed offenders. I guess it just shows people really will do anything to get their hands on our delicious fudge!”

Anyone with information about the theft should contact Harrogate CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for Sam Harding. Alternatively, information can be emailed to sam.harding@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 12140189450.