Thieves prove Guinness makes you strong

THIRSTY thieves crossed a railway line and several hundred yards of rough terrain in pitch darkness yesterday morning to steal 35 kegs of lager and stout from a Diageo compound in Co Cork.

Gardaí believe a number of strong men had to be involved in the theft as they had to carry the kegs to waiting transport.

Gardaí confirmed 25 kegs of Budweiser and 10 kegs of Guinness were taken from the compound at North Esk at Dunkettle, near Glanmire.

“The culprits entered from the side of the old M25 near the Island Gate Restaurant. They then crossed the Cork-Midleton railway line and some rough terrain before breaking through the compound fence,” a Garda spokesman said.

“There had to be a number of people involved in this theft due to the physicality required.”

Each keg contains 88 pints and, if sold on by any unscrupulous publican, could net around €13,860. Detectives are hoping anybody in the licensed trade offered kegs at a knockdown price would contact them.

“We are also seeking to speak to anybody who may have seen anything suspicious in the area. We believe the theft took place between 12.30am and 5.30am,” the spokesman said.

Gardaí said the culprits must have had transport such as a number of cars or a truck.

“If anybody saw any vehicles parked during that time near the Island Gate Restaurant we would like to talk to them,” the spokesman said.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Cobh Garda Station on 021-4908530.