Montclair Police Probe $70K Beer Heist as Pabst Sets 18-Day Return Deadline

Key points

• Theft occurred on August 17 at an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California.
• The stolen truck contained approximately 40,000 pounds of Pabst Blue Ribbon, equivalent to over 50,000 cans.
• Police are investigating a second theft at the same facility involving $25,000 in products taken via fraudulent paperwork.
• Combined value of the missing cargo is estimated at $70,000.
• Pabst issued a public ultimatum giving the thief 18 days and 44 minutes to return the truck.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of high-profile cargo thefts and fraud schemes reported in the archive, such as the Houston postal check fraud and the Washington NES collection burglary. While those cases involved different goods, they highlight ongoing vulnerabilities in supply chain security and the use of social media by victims to publicize losses and solicit leads.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and WISN emphasize the police investigation into two linked thefts at the Anheuser-Busch facility, noting discrepancies in the trucking company and driver details. USA Today and ABC News focus more heavily on Pabst’s social media campaign, highlighting the brand’s humorous tone and the specific 18-day deadline. All sources agree on the $70,000 total value and the August 17 date, but differ in emphasis: Fox and WISN stress the criminal investigation, while USA Today and ABC highlight the public relations aspect of the recovery effort.

Why it matters

The case illustrates the growing threat of organized cargo theft in the beverage industry, where fraudulent documentation is used to intercept high-value shipments. The public response from Pabst also demonstrates how brands leverage social media to engage the public in solving crimes, potentially increasing visibility and pressure on suspects.

What to watch

Police are awaiting information from the public and investigating the fraudulent paperwork used in the second theft. Pabst’s deadline for the return of the truck is approaching, after which the company may intensify its search efforts. No suspects have been publicly identified yet.