Det Sgt McClatchey said: “Whilst I am glad we have located the HGV trailers taken from the depot some 30 miles away in Runcorn, our enquires into identifying who was behind this large-scale theft, along with the recovery of the stolen stout, remains ongoing.
“With that, we are now asking any residents of the wider Skelmersdale area, who may have seen anything suspicious or sighted the lorry trailers that housed the Guinness barrels, to please get in touch with police.
“In particular, we would like to speak to the learner driver or instructor that was in the Renault Captur when the the second HGV is believed to have deposited the trailer.
“We would also like to hear from any local businesses or anyone who has been approached out of the blue regarding the purchase of barrels of Guinness over the past few days.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that these kegs are stolen goods that are being sold on by black market criminals, so I would urge anyone who has any suspicions as to where a prospective seller may have got their goods from to contact police.”
The trailers are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers with branding for logistics company GXO on curtains and rear doors.
Police said they have unique numbers on their rear doors in the top left corner.
The numbers of stolen trucks are DL736 or DL542, the force added.