Thieves target WH Brand one day after 100th anniversary celebration

Family-owned dealership WH Brand has been raided by thieves just a day after celebrating its 100th anniversary.

WH Brand, based in Spalding, marked its centenary earlier this week, commemorating its founding by William Horace Brand on February 3, 1925.

Lincolnshire Police are investigating the incident, which took place between 11:00 am and 11:10 am. According to reports, a white Ford van with a distinctive black bonnet and the word "Demolition" written on its bonnet and sides drove onto the dealership's premises. The suspects quickly loaded two gearboxes, alloy wheels, and tyres into the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Adam Brand, the dealership’s sales manager and fifth-generation member of the business, expressed his dismay over the break-in.

"It is a sad and disappointing start to our 100-year celebrations," he said. "We were targeted by thieves who stole valuable goods, including gearboxes, alloy wheels, and tyres. We are urging customers and fellow businesses to be extra vigilant."

Lincolnshire Police have issued an appeal for information regarding the theft and are urging anyone who may have seen the van or has knowledge of the stolen equipment to come forward.

WH Brand, which began in a rented shed a century ago, took on the MG franchise in 2013 and covers the Spalding and Peterborough area in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.