Police in North London have seized 1000 stolen beer kegs worth over £100,000 after raids at two separate addresses.
Two suspects were arrested and bailed following the investigation involving ‘Kegwatch’ – a brewery industry initiative aimed at preventing the theft of kegs, casks and gas cylinders.
Police raided properties in South Tottenham and Edmonton on January 13 in simultaneous noon operations and arrested a male, aged 19, and an 18 year-old female on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
The beer kegs (pictured) were stored in shipping containers at both addresses.
Officers from Haringey Borough have been working closely with local public houses and Kegwatch to prevent keg thefts.
Each individual beer keg is worth between approximately £75 and £165.
Detective Inspector Steven Dryden of Haringey CID said: “In the last ten years, the price of metal has soared 400%.
“It's a valuable commodity that makes it an attractive prospect to thieves.
“Thieves and unscrupulous dealers will find industries are not prepared to suffer any further, and police in Haringey will not hesitate to take action against anyone who is found to be involved in this form of criminality on the borough.”
Security Director of Kegwatch, David Belcher, said: “Stainless steel beer kegs are used in pubs and clubs across the country.
“Stolen kegs are often disposed of illegally through illicit outlets and scrapyards.
“We work hard with police forces up and down the country to stop this from happening and as a result we have had many successful prosecutions.
“Today was the result of a coordinated, pre-planned operation between police in Haringey and Kegwatch. We really appreciate the work the police have done for the brewery industry today.”
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