Police in Northern Ireland seize stolen beer kegs worth £900,000

Police in Northern Ireland have recovered thousands of stolen beer kegs that are estimated to be worth £900,000, according to detective chief inspector Dunny McCubbin.

Detectives from PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Division recovered a “large quantity of stolen beer kegs” belonging to a local drinks distributor during an investigation into organised crime.

Police said searches were carried out in Mallusk, County Antrim, and Omagh, County Tyrone throughout the investigation.

Two men aged 55 were arrested on suspicion of theft.

The kegs are estimated to be worth £900,000. Distributors typically use them to deliver their product to licensed bars and pubs before collection them when empty, meaning their theft has a “significant financial impact on businesses.”

Chief inspector McCubbin said: “The stolen beer kegs recovered as part of our investigation are worth an estimated retail value of £900,000. These thefts have a significant financial impact on businesses that distribute their product to licensed premises and two men were arrested as a result of our searches.

“The investigation continues.”

McCubbin asked for anyone with information on this type of activity to contact detectives in Antrim or Omagh, and issued a warning to bub and bar-owners to be” alert to this type of crime and ensure that their premises and stock are secure.”