Authorities in Southern California are investigating two major beer thefts that resulted in the disappearance of tens of thousands of cans of Pabst products from a distribution facility in Montclair.
Police said the incidents occurred on August 17 at a distribution center located east of Los Angeles. The combined value of the stolen shipments was estimated at around $70,000, and investigators are examining whether the two incidents were connected.
Two Beer Shipments Disappear Within an Hour
According to police, the first incident involved a beer shipment valued at approximately $45,000 that was scheduled to be transported to Tucson, Arizona. The shipment was collected but never arrived at its intended destination.
Roughly an hour later, another group allegedly used fraudulent documents while claiming to represent a subcontracting company. The documents were reportedly used to collect another beer shipment valued at about $25,000.
Investigators are now working to determine whether both incidents were part of the same organized cargo theft operation.
Around 34,000 Cans Reported Missing
The stolen products reportedly included approximately 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non-alcoholic Old Milwaukee beer.
The missing cargo amounted to more than 1,500 cases of beverages. The unusual theft has attracted widespread attention because of the enormous quantity of beer involved.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pickups and the people responsible for the missing shipments.
Pabst Responds as Investigation Continues
While law enforcement officials are treating the theft as a serious criminal investigation, the beer company has also brought attention to the case through social media.
The company used a humorous tone in some of its online posts while making it clear that it wanted the missing beer returned.
As the investigation continues, authorities are attempting to establish whether the two thefts were coordinated and identify those involved in the alleged cargo fraud.
