THE theft of beer barrels to sell for scrap metal has become a ‘huge problem’, according to industry officials.

Kegs are being stolen and sold to scrapyards and on the internet through sites like eBay.

Tony Gandy owns the Coach House Brewery Company on Wharf Street, Howley.

He said empty kegs are stolen and sold online for a higher price than when originally bought full of beer.

“This is happening up and down the country,” said Mr Gandy.

“If anyone pinches my barrels my livelihood will go too.”

Mr Gandy says the cost of replacing a barrel is around £80.

The British Beer and Pub Association said thefts are on the increase and will mean the price of beer going up.

Lee Le Clercq, northern regional secretary, said: “This is a huge issue.

“Metal theft if anything is getting worse.

“We have moved to stainless steel kegs which are harder to melt but with the price of metal going up it’s still worth thieves grabbing it if they can.

“Often these kegs are very easy to steal so metal thieves think it’s Christmas when they see these barrels.”

Warrington Borough Council was unable to provide a comment on whether it is investigating the theft of kegs from licensed premises.

Watchdog Keg Watch says metal theft costs the industry ‘millions of pounds’ a year.

A spokesman said: “Each year the brewing industry loses many millions of pounds through the theft and misappropriation of kegs, casks and dispense gas cylinders.

“Keg Watch pays rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft or unauthorised destruction of containers.

“If you are involved in handling stolen kegs, the penalties are severe.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said that any metal theft would be investigated.

To report a theft call police on 101 or Keg Watch on 0808 100 1945.