Police are searching for people responsible behind beer keg theft costing

Pubs across Melbourne’s inner-north are battling brazen beer barrel bandits who have stolen more than 200 empty kegs in a five-month crime spree.

Each of these kegs — empty — are worth about $150 are being sold for scrap by thieves.

You’ve heard of the pub with no beer, but what about the pubs with no beer kegs?

Baffled detectives are investigating the theft of more 200 empty kegs — worth more than $30,000 — from inner-city pubs in Fitzroy, Coburg, Northcote, and Collingwood.

For the past five months, the beer barrel bandits have swiped empty kegs that are placed outside pubs where they are collected to be cleaned and refilled with beer

It is understood thieves are selling the empty kegs — which are worth about $150 a pop — as scrap for money.

Yarra detective Sergeant Ryan Forde said the police were working closely with pubs to investigate these incidents and find those responsible.

“These offenders are not attempting to steal beer. It is clear they are targeting empty kegs to make cash. They are oblivious to the detrimental effect stealing kegs has on pubs and breweries,” he said.

“We believe there have been more incidents across Melbourne, urging anyone with information to report them.”

Anyone who witnessed the theft incidents has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online here.