Montclair, Calif. – On Aug. 17, police reported two separate thefts at an Anheuser‑Busch distribution center located about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. The combined loss, valued at roughly $70,000, included about 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non‑alcoholic Old Milwaukee beer – more than 1,500 cases.
Details of the heists
According to a Montclair Police Department news release, the first theft involved a shipment destined for Tucson, Arizona. The cargo, worth about $45,000, was loaded onto a truck that never completed delivery. Roughly an hour later, a second group presented forged paperwork claiming to be a subcontractor and removed an additional $25,000 worth of beer.
Both incidents occurred on the same day, leading investigators to consider whether the crimes were linked. The stolen goods weighed an estimated 40,000 pounds (18,145 kilograms), according to the police report obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
Pabst’s response
Pabst Blue Ribbon turned the loss into a promotional opportunity. In a series of Instagram posts, the company posted the weight of the missing cargo and began a countdown, urging the thieves to return the beer. “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,” the brand wrote, adding, “P.S. this is real and we are deadly serious.”
Investigation continues
Montclair police are reviewing surveillance footage and following leads to determine if a single organized group carried out both thefts. No arrests have been made at the time of reporting.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by distribution centers in safeguarding high‑volume goods, especially in a region where logistics hubs are critical to supply chains across the Southwest.
Community impact
While the loss represents a financial hit for the distributor, the incident has sparked conversation among local residents about warehouse security and the importance of protecting jobs tied to the logistics sector. The theft also underscores the cultural significance of Pabst Blue Ribbon, a brand that remains popular among many American families.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the thefts to contact the Montclair Police Department.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
