# Cargo theft at California distribution center

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cargo-theft-at-california-distribution-center
> Updated: 2026-09-01T22:33:03.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 3.

Authorities are investigating a series of cargo thefts at an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California. On August 17, thieves allegedly used fraudulent documentation from a purported subcontracting company to collect two separate shipments.

The first theft, valued at approximately $45,000 and intended for Tucson, Arizona, was followed an hour later by a second pickup worth roughly $25,000. This second shipment included approximately 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Old Milwaukee non-alcoholic beer, totaling about 40,000 pounds (roughly 18,145 kilograms) of product. The total value of the missing cargo is estimated at $70,000.

While some reports indicated a truck was stolen, Montclair police clarified that only the cargo was taken. Montclair police are currently investigating whether the two thefts were part of a single, organized cargo-theft operation.

Pabst Blue Ribbon has responded to the incident via social media, issuing a timed ultimatum for the safe return of the products and offering a reward for information. The company used a humorous tone, setting a countdown for the return of the beer and referencing its founding year of 1844. Pabst Brewing Co. CEO Greig DeBow has since announced a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the recovery of the beer, setting a deadline of September 9 for the return of the product.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Pabst Brewing Co. offers $20,000 reward for stolen beer

Pabst Brewing Co. is offering up to $20,000 for information to recover 40,000 pounds of beer stolen in two separate heists from a Southern California warehouse in August.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pabst-brewing-co-offers-reward-after-70000-beer-theft

### 2026-08-30: Pabst Blue Ribbon beer stolen from California warehouse

Thieves used fraudulent documents to steal $70,000 worth of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer from a California warehouse in two separate heists. Pabst is offering a reward for the cargo's return.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montclair-police-investigate-70000-beer-heist-at-distribution-center

### 2026-08-28: Pabst Blue Ribbon truck stolen in massive California beer heist

Thieves posing as a transport company stole a truck carrying 40,000 pounds of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer from a California distribution center. Pabst has issued a timed ultimatum for its return.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pabst-blue-ribbon-truck-stolen-in-montclair-with-40000-pounds-of-beer

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Cite as: Cargo theft at California distribution center. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cargo-theft-at-california-distribution-center