Jeremy Clarkson has publicly addressed the persistent issue of theft at his farm shop and pub, The Farmer’s Dog, revealing that a variety of items are frequently stolen and later sold online for profit. In a segment from his Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm, the presenter detailed how thieves have targeted even the most unexpected goods, including cooking oil, light bulbs, urinal traps, and especially Hawkstone-branded pint glasses.
Clarkson disclosed that around £200 worth of cooking oil was stolen in just one night, but the culprits have also taken measures such as removing light bulbs and urinal traps regularly, prompting staff to secure these fixtures with screws to combat the losses. Yet, the most significant issue lies with the glasses; Clarkson estimates that as many as 400 branded pint glasses go missing each week.
The Hawkstone pint glasses, sold officially at £6 each through the farm’s website, have become a particular target for theft. Many stolen glasses are then listed on eBay with asking prices ranging from £10 to £15, often drawing multiple potential buyers, effectively doubling the item’s retail value.
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These revelations have prompted a strong reaction from viewers and social media users alike. Some have proposed implementing a deposit system on the glasses, akin to those used in German Christmas markets, to discourage theft by ensuring that customers pay upfront for souvenirs. Others sympathised with Clarkson’s hard work and expressed disappointment at the dishonest behaviour.
Suggestions for preventing the theft have also included serving drinks in plain glasses to make the items less desirable for thieves and questioning the logic behind stealing an item that can be bought legally for less than the secondhand online price.
Clarkson’s ventures in the Cotswolds, particularly the Diddly Squat Farm Shop and The Farmer’s Dog pub, have seen a surge in popularity following the success of Clarkson’s Farm, attracting thousands of visitors each week. However, this increased footfall seems to have been accompanied by a rise in theft and related challenges.
“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.”
Clarkson’s experiences shed light on the difficulties faced by rural businesses in managing theft and protecting their assets, especially when merchandise becomes a sought-after souvenir for fans and visitors.