Crime
Pabst Blue Ribbon Offers Reward For Stolen ‘Truckload’ Of Beer
Authorities in California put out a call for tips from the public a week after Pabst Blue Ribbon sent its own message directly to the thief responsible for stealing 40,000 pounds of beer.
The Montclair Police Department said it is investigating two separate but likely related cargo thefts that both took place an hour apart on Aug. 17 at the Anheuser-Busch distribution center located at 4545 Brooks Street.
The first theft took place at around 10 a.m., when a $45,000 shipment destined for Tucson, Ariz., was picked up but was never delivered. About an hour later, approximately $25,000 worth of Pabst Blue Ribbon was obtained by a “purported subcontracting company” that allegedly submitted fraudulent delivery documentation. The combined value of the stolen cargo is around $70,000.
Police said similarities between the two thefts have investigators considering the possibility they are linked to the same cargo theft operation, despite “discrepancies” regarding the trucking company, driver, and vehicles.
Pabst Blue Ribbon issued its own statement soon after the thefts, on Aug. 21, urging the thief to return the beer and offering a reward information.
“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 company wrote.
“Pabst is officially starting the clock now – you have exactly 18 days and 44 minutes to return our truckload of beer, no questions asked. Leading up to that time, we will be offering a reward to anyone who can help us solve this mystery,” the company continued. “P.s. this is real and we are deadly serious.”
Police said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information about the thefts, suspects or missing cargo is asked to contact the Montclair Police Department at 909-621-4771.
