A major cargo theft investigation is underway in Runcorn, England, after two trucks entered the same industrial estate within two hours and drove away with trailers carrying more than 800 barrels of Guinness.
The two incidents occurred Monday night and followed strikingly similar patterns. Each driver arrived separately, connected a tractor unit to a loaded trailer displaying GXO branding and left the depot with the equipment and its cargo.
Police estimate the combined value of the stolen beer and trailers at £205,000, equivalent to approximately $277,000.
The first truck arrived on Aston Lane at around 7:45 p.m. The driver attached the vehicle to a loaded trailer before leaving the area approximately 10 minutes later. Police said the truck then travelled in the direction of the Mersey Gateway.
Less than two hours later, at 9:12 p.m., a second truck arrived at the industrial estate. That driver also connected to a loaded trailer and left at around 9:30 p.m., travelling towards Rainhill and Watkinson Way.
Police release descriptions of the drivers
Investigators have released limited descriptions of the individuals believed to be involved in the two thefts.
The first driver was described as a white man with a short, dark beard who was wearing a beanie. Police believe the second pickup was carried out by another man wearing a cap.
The Cheshire Constabulary announcement does not provide any additional physical descriptions, and authorities have not released photographs showing either individual.
The stolen Guinness itself is estimated to be worth £115,000, or approximately $155,000.
Both stolen units were white tri-axle curtain-side trailers displaying GXO branding. Police stressed, however, that neither trailer was under GXO’s control, management or supervision at the time of the theft.
Authorities identified the two trailers by their equipment numbers: DL736 and DL542.
These unique identification numbers are located near the upper-left corner of the rear entrance of each trailer. Police included photographs of the equipment in their public appeal, showing the branding and other distinguishing features in the hope that motorists, transport professionals or other witnesses may recognise the missing trailers.
Investigation remains active
Detective Sergeant McClatchey said officers launched an investigation shortly after the incidents were reported.
“We will settle for nothing less than the full recovery of all the items stolen,” McClatchey said.
He also called on motorists who were travelling near the area to review any dashcam footage recorded during the evening. Investigators believe relevant footage could help trace the movements of either vehicle before or after the two thefts.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary online or call 101, quoting incident number IML-2408641.
Police are also seeking surveillance footage captured around Aston Lane during the evening of the incidents.
At this stage, authorities have not announced any arrests or the recovery of any of the stolen beer or trailers.
The public notice also leaves several key questions unanswered. Police have not explained how the two drivers gained access to the property, while the registration numbers and ownership details of the tractor units involved have not been released.
Investigators have provided no information regarding the credentials, paperwork or security procedures that may have been used during the pickups. Authorities have also not identified whether there was any connection between the two drivers.
FreightWaves contacted Cheshire Constabulary for additional information but had not received a response before publication. The story is expected to be updated if the department provides further details.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how two valuable commercial loads were stolen on two separate visits to the same depot in a matter of hours.
The incident brings up critical issues for logistics and freight professionals regarding gate controls, pickup verification, driver authorization and trailer-release procedures. The probe may also act as a reminder to tighten security procedures around commercial depots and to release loaded equipment only after full authorization checks.
