A CAR DEALER had six high-end vehicles as well as his van stolen just days after moving into new premises.
They were taken from MB Motors in Woodside Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, last Friday – the same week the firm relocated from nearby Cullybackey Road. The company, which sells new, used, 4×4 and commercial vehicles, has traded in the town for more than 15 years. Together, the stolen vehicles were reckoned to be worth approximately £100,000.
The six vehicles comprised an Audi A4, a BMW 5 Series, a Land Rover, a Mitsubishi L200 Trojan, a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Volkswagen Scirocco. The Ford van was later recovered.
Malcolm Beattie, who owns and runs the company, had only moved into the new premises on Monday and had his office vandalised during the break-in.
He told Car Dealer Magazine: ‘I’m a sole trader and it’s taken me many years to get the money together to build up the level of stock. This has been a big kick in the teeth.’
Police are investigating the thefts, although it is understood the number plates were subsequently changed. A public appeal has also been made on MB Motors’ Facebook page.
Anyone with information about the break-in should contact police on 101 and quote reference number 291 of 28/01/17, or they can get in touch with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or MB Motors on 07784 088292.
Images via MB Motors’ Facebook page and reproduced with permission
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