In a bizarre turn of events, Pabst Blue Ribbon has reported a significant theft of its product from a California distribution center. The company disclosed that approximately 40,000 pounds of beer, valued at around $70,000, were stolen from an Anheuser-Busch facility in Montclair. The incident, which occurred on August 17, is currently under investigation by the Montclair Police Department.
The theft involved two separate incidents, with the first shipment valued at about $45,000 being scheduled for delivery to Tucson, Arizona. However, the shipment never arrived at its destination. Roughly an hour later, a purported subcontracting company utilized fraudulent documentation to arrange the pickup of approximately $25,000 worth of Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products.
Investigations into the two incidents are ongoing, with police examining potential links between them. The similarities in the trucking company, driver, and vehicles involved are under scrutiny, though no suspects have been publicly identified as of yet.
Pabst Blue Ribbon has taken an unconventional approach in bringing attention to the theft, using a series of Instagram posts to inform the public and offer a reward for information that could lead to the recovery of the cargo. The company's social media campaign includes humorous comments and a sense of urgency, as they emphasize the importance of keeping beer cold and issue a deadline for the return of the stolen goods.
"We are deadly serious," the company stated in one of its posts. "Pabst is officially starting the clock now - you have exactly 18 days and 44 minutes to return our truck, 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 has also issued a playful warning to the thief, writing, "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."
Despite the stolen truck being referenced in Pabst's social media posts, Montclair police clarified that only the cargo was stolen, not the vehicle itself. The company has emphasized the importance of beer preservation, hoping that the thief is aware of the necessity of keeping beer cold.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar high-profile theft that occurred in the Bay Area less than two years ago. In November 2024, two freight trucks carrying about $1 million worth of Santo Spirits tequila, co-owned by celebrities Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar, were reported stolen in Laredo, Texas. The shipments, destined for California and Pennsylvania, were eventually recovered.
While the tequila theft involved two trucks, the Pabst Blue Ribbon incident focuses solely on the cargo. Both cases highlight the vulnerability of beverage shipments and the potential for significant financial loss due to theft.
As the investigation into the Pabst Blue Ribbon theft continues, the company remains vigilant and hopeful that the stolen beer will be recovered. With a reward on the line and a public campaign to bring attention to the issue, Pabst Blue Ribbon is taking a proactive approach to address this security breach and ensure the return of its product.
The Montclair Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the theft to come forward. With the help of the community and the company's efforts, there is hope that the stolen beer will be returned to its rightful place on shelves.
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