Two trucks entered an industrial estate in Runcorn, England, and hauled away trailers carrying more than 800 Guinness barrels. The drivers arrived separately during a two-hour period Monday night, and each connected a tractor to loaded GXO equipment before leaving the depot. Police estimated the total value of the stolen beer and trailers at £205,000, or approximately $277,000.

The theft targeted stock belonging to one of the world's most recognizable beer brands. Guinness is owned by Diageo, the London-based drinks multinational that also produces Johnnie Walker whisky and Smirnoff vodka. GXO Logistics, whose equipment was taken, is one of the largest contract logistics providers in the world and handles warehousing and distribution for major consumer-goods customers across the UK.

The first vehicle reached Aston Lane at about 7:45 p.m. Its driver attached a loaded trailer and departed 10 minutes later, traveling toward the Mersey Gateway. A second truck arrived at 9:12 p.m. and left around 9:30, heading toward Rainhill and Watkinson Way.

Police release driver descriptions

Investigators described the initial driver as a white man with a short, dark beard and a beanie. Authorities believe another male wearing a cap handled the later pickup. The Cheshire Constabulary announcement provides no further physical details, and officers have not released photographs of either individual.

The stolen beer carried an estimated value of £115,000, or approximately $155,000. Both white tri-axle curtain-side units displayed GXO branding, with company markings covering their curtains and rear doors. Police identified the equipment numbers as DL736 and DL542; those unique identifiers appear near the upper-left corner of each rear door.

Authorities included photographs in their announcement. The images show branding and other distinguishing features. Investigators hope motorists or witnesses will recognize the missing equipment.

Investigation remains active

Detective Sergeant McClatchey confirmed that officers quickly opened an inquiry. "We will settle for nothing less than the full recovery of all the items stolen," McClatchey said. His statement urged nearby motorists to review dashcam recordings, as relevant footage could reveal either vehicle's movements before or after both incidents.

Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Constabulary online or call 101, referencing incident number IML-2408641. Officials also want surveillance video captured near Aston Lane during the evening. The department has not announced any arrests or recoveries.

The public notice does not explain how both drivers accessed the property. Authorities have withheld the tractor registration numbers and ownership information, and investigators provided no details about credentials, paperwork, or security procedures. Police have not identified any possible connections between the two operators.

That gap matters to freight and warehousing operators. Cargo theft involving criminals posing as or deceiving legitimate carriers has been a persistent concern for the logistics sector, and industry groups have long urged shippers and warehouse operators to verify driver identity, pickup authorization, and trailer-release documentation before releasing loads. Two drivers removing valuable commercial loads during separate visits to a single depot within two hours gives freight professionals a concrete case for reviewing gate controls and pickup-authorization procedures. The resale value of a well-known brand like Guinness also makes branded alcohol a recurring target in cargo theft cases reported across the UK and Europe.

FreightWaves contacted Cheshire Constabulary for additional information but did not receive a response before publication. This story will be updated if the department responds.