Theft of Over 100 Beer Barrels Disrupts Carnival Celebrations in Hilden

In a disheartening turn of events for carnival enthusiasts in Hilden, North Rhine-Westphalia, thieves have stolen more than one hundred barrels of beer just before the festivities were set to begin. The incident occurred on the night leading up to Altweiberdonnerstag, a key day in the carnival calendar.

According to a statement from the Mettmann police, the culprits broke into two refrigerated trucks parked at the Hilden city hall. These vehicles were stocked with several hundred liters of Kölsch and Alt beer, specifically reserved for the celebration.

In total, the thieves made off with 104 barrels of Kölsch and nine barrels of Altbier, leaving the local community in a state of disappointment. The method used to transport the substantial haul remains unclear, raising questions about how the theft was executed.

Authorities estimate the financial loss from this incident to exceed EUR20,000. In light of the theft, police are actively investigating the situation and have reached out to the public for any information that could aid in the apprehension of the suspects.

This theft not only impacts the logistics of the carnival but also dampens the spirits of the many participants looking forward to enjoying the traditional beverages. The local government and law enforcement are working diligently to ensure that the celebrations can proceed as planned despite this setback.