Montclair, Calif. – On Aug. 17, thieves targeted an Anheuser‑Busch distribution center located about 40 miles east of Los Angeles, making off with an estimated $70,000 worth of beer. Police say the two separate thefts involved roughly 34,000 cans – more than 1,500 cases – of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non‑alcoholic Old Milwaukee.
Details of the heists
According to a Montclair police news release, the first theft involved about $45,000 worth of beer that was slated for delivery to Tucson, Arizona. The cargo never arrived at its destination. About an hour later, a second group submitted fraudulent paperwork posing as a subcontractor and collected another $25,000 worth of product.
Both incidents occurred on the same day at the same distribution center, prompting investigators to consider whether a single criminal operation was responsible. The police are reviewing surveillance footage and the forged documents to determine the connection between the two thefts.
Pabst’s response
Pabst Blue Ribbon used the incident as a marketing opportunity, posting on Instagram that the stolen cargo weighed roughly 40,000 pounds (18,145 kilograms). The brand launched a countdown encouraging the public to help locate the missing cans. In a tongue‑in‑cheek message, Pabst wrote, “To the thief: we don’t fault you for wanting to brag to your friends how much PBR you have, we just wish you obtained it the honorable way. P.S. this is real and we are deadly serious.”
Investigation continues
Montclair police are working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the brewery’s security team to trace the stolen beer. Authorities have not released any suspect descriptions or arrests at this time.
The theft highlights the challenges that distribution centers face in safeguarding high‑volume inventory, especially when fraudulent paperwork can be used to divert product. Law enforcement officials say they are reviewing internal controls at the facility to prevent future incidents.
Impact on the community
While the loss represents a financial hit for the distributor and the brewery, the incident has sparked a conversation among local residents about warehouse security and the importance of vigilant supply‑chain oversight. Community members have expressed both amusement at Pabst’s social‑media approach and concern over the ease with which the thieves obtained the cargo.
Police encourage anyone with information about the missing beer to contact the Montclair Police Department’s tip line.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
