Over 70,000 pints of Guinness stolen in Runcorn depot heist, worth £205k

Thieves drove off with two HGV trailers carrying more than 800 Guinness barrels from a Runcorn depot on Monday. Police say the total haul, including the trailers, is valued at around £205,000.

Two HGV trailers seized from Cheshire depot in brazen Guinness theft

Thieves made off with more than 800 barrels of Guinness — approximately 70,000 pints — after driving two heavy goods vehicles from a logistics depot in Runcorn, Cheshire Police have confirmed, as reported by BBC News.

The barrels were taken from Whitehouse Industrial Estate on Aston Lane on Monday evening. The first trailer was driven away at around 19:45 BST, with a second following at approximately 21:30. Each barrel holds roughly 88 pints; the stolen stout alone is estimated to be worth £115,000. Including the two trailers, the total value of stolen goods is put at around £205,000.

The consignment had been destined for pubs before the theft.

Detective Sergeant McClatchy commented on the incident: "It is famously said that 'Guinness is good for you', but that is only the case when it has been bought and paid for."

Both vehicles are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers bearing branding for logistics company GXO on their curtains and rear doors. The trailers carry unique identification numbers in the top left corner of their rear doors — DL736 and DL542 respectively.

Police believe both HGVs were driven by men. The first driver is described as white with a short dark beard and was wearing a beanie hat. The second is believed to have been wearing a cap.

One lorry was seen heading towards the Mersey Gateway bridge following the theft; the other was spotted travelling in the direction of Rainhill and Watkinson Way.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the trailers or their drivers is urged to contact Cheshire Police.

Source: BBC News