Jeremy Clarkson has spoken out against customers stealing items from his farm shop and pub, only to sell them online for profit. In a clip from his Amazon Prime show Clarkson's Farm, the TV presenter exposed how his business is repeatedly targeted by thieves, with everything from cooking oil to Hawkstone pint glasses going missing.
Pub targeted for theft
Addressing the persistent problem at his The Farmer's Dog pub, Clarkson said: "The pub has become a target for thieves, with around £200 worth of cooking oil stolen in a single night. But that's far from the strangest item to disappear. Light bulbs and urinal traps are stolen every day, forcing staff to screw them down to stop people taking them. Glasses are another frequent target, with an astonishing 400 stolen every week."
Hawkstone glasses sold online
While some pilfered items hold little resale value, branded Hawkstone pint glasses have become a highly coveted souvenir. A swift search on eBay reveals several Clarkson's Hawkstone pint glasses listed for between £10 and £15, with some attracting multiple watchers. The official Hawkstone website sells the same glasses for £6, meaning certain individuals steal them and attempt to turn a profit by selling them for nearly double the retail price.
Viewers react
The revelations left viewers shocked, with many taking to social media to condemn the behaviour and suggest ways to curb losses. One person said: "Add a deposit to the glasses, that's what they do on the Christmas markets in Germany. You want a souvenir? Fine, you've paid for it. A deposit might not stop theft, but the cost will be reduced significantly." Another wrote: "The stealing is really sad. He is working his guts out." A third commented: "There are some people out there that would steal their grandmother's false teeth even while she's still eating. Unbelievable really." Others suggested serving in plain glasses to cut down on theft.
Clarkson's Cotswolds ventures have soared in popularity since the debut of Clarkson's Farm, drawing thousands of visitors each week to both Diddly Squat Farm Shop and The Farmer's Dog.
