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Cheshire Police Investigate £205,000 Guinness Barrel Theft

9/9/2026

Summary

Cheshire Police Pursue Guinness Heist

Cheshire Police are investigating the theft of about 880 Guinness barrels worth £115,000.
Two HGV trailers loaded with Guinness were stolen from a Runcorn depot on 31 August.
The trailers were recovered in Skelmersdale and Gillibrands Road on 1 September and 2 September.
Police released CCTV images of two men and have made no arrests.
Detective Sergeant Gary McClatchey urged anyone approached by Guinness sellers to report it via 101, website, quoting IML-2408641.

Summary

Police Trace Theft

The theft threatens local pubs' supply because the stolen barrels were destined for them.
The trailers bore GXO logistics branding and unique IDs DL736 and DL542, aiding traceability.
Police warn the kegs may appear on the black market and urge sellers to report offers.
The haul, including trailers, is valued at about £205,000, higher than the £115,000 barrel estimate.

History

Historical Context

The 26 November 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery at Heathrow’s International Trading Estate saw thieves steal three tonnes of gold bullion worth about £26 million, exposing lax cargo security and prompting stricter tracking and CCTV mandates. Decades later, Cheshire Police’s pursuit of two men who stole 880 Guinness barrels from a GXO Logistics depot echoes the same vulnerability in high-value freight transport.

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Cheshire Police Pursue Guinness Heist

Cheshire Police are investigating the theft of about 880 Guinness barrels worth £115,000.
Two HGV trailers loaded with Guinness were stolen from a Runcorn depot on 31 August.
The trailers were recovered in Skelmersdale and Gillibrands Road on 1 September and 2 September.
Police released CCTV images of two men and have made no arrests.
Detective Sergeant Gary McClatchey urged anyone approached by Guinness sellers to report it via 101, website, quoting IML-2408641.

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