Cooking up a storm; TV chef caught shoplifting Tesco low value goods

You don’t have to stoop to Antony Worrall Thompson’s level if you’re short of cash. The TV chef has been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting cheese and wine from a Tesco store five times in 16 days.

The Ready Steady Cook star was caught on CCTV cameras stealing ‘low value goods’ from a branch in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. It’s been reported that the 60-year-old chef’s businesses has been badly affected by the recession, resulting in the closure of four of his restaurants in 2009.

Worrall Thompson has accepted a caution for all five offences following an issue for his arrest by Thames Valley police.

The Sun claims that the celebrity chef was filmed on the store’s secret camera whilst using the self-service checkout machines. He failed to scan in the barcodes of some items, including cheese and wine, before slipping them into a bag and walking out.

Security guards then stopped the former ‘I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!’  Star and checked his bags before calling the police.

A police spokesman said the incident involved “low value goods”. Both Tesco and Worrall Thompson have declined to comment. 

Worrall Thompson has had a tough few years as he was forced to lay off 60 staff after Lloyds Banking Group refused to extend the chef’s overdraft. He has also had to sell his £1.6 million mansion in Henley-on-Thames for a home in the nearby town of High Wycombe.

Whilst the father of four still has two country pubs, a delicatessen café, and brand of cookery utensils under his belt, it appears that even the rich and famous can get caught up in cash flow problems.

Much like Worrall Thompson, you could apply to have your overdraft extended. This could help you get access to additional funds, however, it is always worth checking the interest rate and your ability to re-pay it. 

Whether you’re also in need of some cheap cheese and wine, or need to address some larger financial problems, it could be advisable to seek debt help or alternatively, only buy Tesco value goods.

Moneyextra.com recommends you take independent financial advice before acting on any article

2012-01-10 16:14:24 © Moneyextra.com