Pabst Brewing Co. is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to the return of 1,602 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non-alcoholic Old Milwaukee beer taken from a distribution center in Montclair. The missing load weighs about 40,000 pounds and has an estimated value of $70,000, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.
The theft occurred on Aug. 17 at an Anheuser-Busch facility on Brooks Street, roughly 40 miles east of Los Angeles. Police reports indicate the incident unfolded in two parts that morning, beginning with a shipment valued at $45,000 that was scheduled for delivery to Tucson, Arizona.
About an hour later, a second shipment worth $25,000 was removed after a group presented fraudulent documents to arrange the pickup. Montclair police have noted inconsistencies in the details provided about the trucking company, driver, and vehicles involved.
Pabst Brewing Co. CEO Greig DeBow stated in a video post that the company wants the beer returned. "I’m sure they look cool with a garage full of PBR," he said. "That’s actually not cool though. We want it back."
In a separate social media statement, the company addressed the person responsible directly and set a deadline of Sept. 9 for the safe return of the truck and cargo. It also invited the public to submit tips by emailing hotline@pabst.com or contacting the Montclair Police Department at 909-621-4771.
The company has asked anyone who sees the missing commercial truck to photograph it and tag Pabst on social media. Authorities have not identified suspects or confirmed whether the two thefts were connected.
This report is based on coverage by FOX 11 Los Angeles: https://www.foxla.com/news/pabst-blue-ribbon-reward-stolen-beer-heist-california