10:46 am, February 7, 2025
Police have launched an appeal for information after a 100-year-old family-run car dealership was targeted by thieves just one day after celebrating its centenary.
Officers in Lincolnshire are asking for anyone to come forward who might be able to help their inquiries into an incident at WH Brand in Spalding.
The MG dealership was founded on February 3, 1925 and celebrated its landmark 100th birthday earlier this week.
However, just a day later, the joy turned to despair when the firm was raided by criminals.
CCTV footage shows a gang of crooks piling equipment into the back of a white Ford Transit outside the showroom, before driving off.
The brazen theft took place in broad daylight at around 11am on Tuesday (Feb 4) with two hand gearboxes, wheels and tyres among the stolen items.
The business has been in the same family for five generations and current sales manager Adam Brand, says the raid has put a dampener on its centenary celebrations
He told LincsOnline: ‘It is a sad and disappointing start to our 100 year celebrations.
‘We were targeted by thieves who stole valuable goods including gear boxes, alloy wheels and tyres.
‘We are urging customers and fellow businesses to be extra vigilant.’
Posting on it’s Facebook page, the company added: ‘At 11:03am today [Tuesday], we were targeted by thieves who stole valuable goods, including gearboxes, alloy wheels, and tyres. The theft involved the van pictured below YT64 VZM.
‘We are urging customers and fellow businesses to be extra vigilant. If you recognise this vehicle or have any information, please contact us or report it to the police immediately.
‘A sad start to our 100th year of business.’
Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Police have issued a crime reference number for anyone with information which could help to locate the stolen items.
A spokesman for the force said: ‘A van is reported to have driven onto the premises of a business in Broadgate, Whaplode Drove, where they loaded two hand gearboxes, wheels and tyres into the van and drove off.
‘The van involved is a white Ford van with a distinctive black bonnet and the words Demolition written on the bonnet and sides of the vehicle.
‘We are appealing for anyone who has information about the theft of this equipment to contact us.’
Anyone who has any information should call 101, quoting reference 25000069300.
