California police are investigating two cargo thefts totaling about $70,000 from an Anheuser-Busch distribution center. The incidents occurred Aug. 17 at 4545 Brooks Street in Montclair, California. One shipment headed for Tucson, Arizona, never reached its destination after pickup. A later pickup involved Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products.
Montclair Police Department logged the earlier case as CR 26-3601. It began at approximately 10 a.m., according to the department. The Tucson-bound shipment carried an estimated value of $45,000. The cargo left for delivery but never arrived.
Fraudulent documents arranged second pickup
About one hour later, officers received a second report involving the same distribution center. Police logged that incident as CR 26-3562. The pickup involved about $25,000 in Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products. A purported subcontracting company used fraudulent documentation to arrange the transaction.
The department reported discrepancies involving information from the trucking company, driver and vehicles. Investigators also identified similarities between both occurrences. Detectives are examining whether one fraudulent cargo-theft operation committed both crimes. Police have not identified any suspects or announced arrests.
Investigation remains active
The combined reported value for both missing shipments totals approximately $70,000. Montclair Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The department told FreightWaves officers are at the distribution center now. Officer Dominguez told investigators, “The only thing the two thefts have in common is the same broker arranged these pickups.” The officer also stated, “The same broker tried to send in a truck last week and was rejected.” Police encouraged anyone with information about the incidents to contact the department. The Montclair Police Department can be reached at 909-621-4771.
Police did not release details about the subcontracted freight broker. The department also did not identify the driver or trucking company. Investigators have not disclosed whether either shipment has been recovered. FreightWaves will update this article when new information becomes available.
Why It Matters
Fraudulent pickup documents can send valuable freight away from a facility before anyone recognizes the problem. Transportation professionals need clear processes for confirming pickup information before cargo leaves control.
CFCO perspective
In my opinion, FreightWaves Certified Fraud Compliance Officer training can help teams avoid scams like this. Training gives employees a repeatable process before they release a shipment. Verification should confirm more than documents alone. Teams must know who arrives for freight and whether that person matches the planned pickup.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
Arizona police recover $400K in stolen cargo during stops 20 minutes apart – FreightWaves
Deputies recover $150K in New Balance shoes after BNSF boxcar burglary – FreightWaves
Brokerage Compliance Symposium
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
F3 Awards Dinner
The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
F3: Future of Freight Festival
Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowThe night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register NowIndustry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now