Overview: Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California, became the target of two separate heists on August 17, 2026. Thieves impersonating authorized personnel stole roughly 34,000 cans and over 1,500 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer. The company is now offering a cash reward equal to half the product’s value to recover the stolen goods.
The Full Story
Police reports indicate that investigators are determining whether the incidents constitute a single fraudulent cargo-theft operation. In the first incident, approximately $45,000 worth of beer intended for Tucson, Arizona, was picked up but never delivered. An hour later, a purported subcontracting company submitted fake documents to retrieve another $25,000 worth of inventory.
The total weight of the stolen cargo reached 40,000lb (18,000kg). Paul Myers, senior director of integrated marketing operations for Pabst, told CBS News that the thieves were bad actors who pretended to be authorized pickup personnel. Montclair police noted they did not issue a statement about the heist for over a week after it happened.
What This Means
The company has turned the theft into a lighthearted social media promotion via Instagram posts. Paul Myers stated that Pabst really wants their truck back, emphasizing that the reward is deadly serious despite the humorous tone. In comments on the campaign, KitKat US chimed in regarding similar cargo thefts involving chocolate bars pilfered from a truck in Italy in March. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of fraudulent operations targeting distribution centers.
Consumer Takeaway
The news confirms that Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee beer were involved in the theft at the Montclair facility. While the specific bottles are currently unrecovered, the brands remain associated with the Anheuser-Busch distribution network. The investigation continues to determine if the cargo was part of a larger fraudulent operation affecting supply chains.
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