Thieves target saffron – a spice worth more than its weight in gold

SAFFRON worth £50,000 was stolen from a warehouse, police have revealed.

Two burglars were caught on camera stealing nothing but a 10kg box of the expensive spice, which is worth more than its weight in gold, after forcing their way in. Police say the break-in took place at a unit in Ilford, east London, between 9.50pm and 11.50pm on the night of Thursday June 11.

CCTV footage shows the pair breaking into the warehouse where they ignore other stock before making off with the spice, often used in seafood and paella dishes.

Met Police Det Sgt Laura Mills, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is someone’s livelihood and this theft will, of course, impact their business.

“Saffron is worth more than gold in weight and an extremely large amount was taken from this business. Someone knows something about this burglary and I am appealing to them to contact our team. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please contact us.”

She added: “The victims are angry and upset that someone has done this to them. It’s important that those who are responsible are caught and the spice is returned to its rightful owners.”

The investigation is being led by detectives from North East CID and there have been no arrests.

Saffron originated in western Asia but is thought to have arrived in England in the 14th century, smuggled in by a pilgrim in his hollow staff.

By the 16th century, it was being grown, processed and sold in Essex, where it was said that the soil from the area gave the saffron a distinctive flavour. The trade brought such prosperity to one town that it changed its name as a result. Chepyng Walden became Saffron Walden.

After its peak in the 1500s, the growing of saffron around Saffron Walden gradually declined due to the hugely labour intensive process required to harvest the plant, and it ceased to be grown at all in the 1700s.

Growers have begun to return to the area and authentic Essex-grown saffron is now in demand for its historical reputation.