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Police in Northern Ireland have recovered a large quantity of stolen beer kegs belonging to a drinks distributor, worth an estimated retail value of £900,000.
Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “As part of our investigation we have carried out searches in the Mallusk and Omagh areas over recent weeks and have recovered stolen beer kegs worth an estimated retail value of £900,000.
“Drinks distributors use these kegs to deliver their product to licensed premises across Northern Ireland and then recover them when they are empty.
"The thefts have a significant financial impact on businesses that distribute their product to licensed premises.
“I would also remind the owners of licensed premises to be alert to this type of crime and ensure that their premises and stock are secure.”
A 55 year old man was arrested in the Holywood area on 14 May on suspicion of theft and released on bail pending further enquiries.
Another man, also aged 55, was arrested in Omagh on 21 May on suspicion of theft and released on bail pending further enquiries.
Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said: “We commend the actions of the PSNI for intercepting this significant haul of stolen beer kegs.
"Many see this criminal activity as a victimless crime, however it is not, as it has severe financial implications for the hospitality sector in terms of replacement costs being borne by our local businesses.
"Ultimately, part of the financial impact ends up being passed onto the customer and our sector is already struggling to pay their bills and criminal activity on this scale just dishes out another blow.”
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