Police in England are looking for thieves who stole two trailer loads containing roughly 70,000 pints of Guinness. This was not a six-pack tucked under a jacket. This was supply-chain crime with a designated driver.
The stout disappeared by the trailer
The theft occurred at an industrial park in Runcorn, near Liverpool. Two drivers reportedly connected trucks to trailers holding about 800 barrels and drove away. The beer was valued at approximately £115,000, with the trailers adding tens of thousands more to the loss.
Authorities later recovered empty trailers and released surveillance footage while asking the public for information. The investigation includes the practical question of how anyone quietly stores or sells enough stout to make an entire neighborhood suspiciously cheerful.
Beer theft is having an odd season
Associated Press reported the British case after another major beer theft in California involving thousands of cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Gen X understands bulk purchasing. We had warehouse clubs, basement refrigerators and parties where somebody bought ice in quantities normally associated with minor surgery. But 70,000 pints crosses from “stocking up” into “you may need a distribution license.” Police would like the Guinness back, preferably before anyone attempts the world’s least discreet pub special.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.
Wade Crowley
Strange News & Small-Town WeirdWade collects stories that begin with “You are not going to believe what happened at the Walmart.” He covers odd crime, local legends, UFOs, and reality losing the plot.
“Somewhere, a police report is already getting weirder.”