In the United Kingdom, a new level of theft has emerged as thieves target a significant amount of Guinness. British authorities are actively seeking the recovery of 70,000 pints of stolen Guinness, with the theft occurring near Liverpool in northwest England. The stolen Guinness, valued at 115,000 pounds ($216,000 Cdn), was taken in two trailer truckloads from a depot, as reported by the Cheshire Constabulary.
Detective Sergeant Gary McClatchy emphasized the importance of ensuring that all stolen items are fully recovered, stating, “Guinness is good for you, but only when it has been purchased legitimately.” The stolen Guinness, intended for pubs, was taken by two drivers who seized the opportunity on Monday night at an industrial park in Runcorn, making off with approximately 800 barrels of stout stored in the trailers.
The stolen trailers themselves were estimated to be worth 50,000 pounds ($93,000). This incident follows a recent beer theft in the United States where around 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon were stolen, drawing attention due to the brewer’s playful social media responses. In the U.S. theft, the value of the stolen Pabst was $70,000 US ($97,000 Cdn), prompting the company to offer a $20,000 US reward for any information leading to the recovery of the stolen beer.
In response to the theft, the Pabst company took to social media, expressing a mix of humor and seriousness towards the thief, urging them to obtain the beer through honorable means. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by brewers in safeguarding their valuable products from criminal activities.