November 22, 1963 – Van load of Beatle records driven away – Unloaded under public’s nose – “Audacious thieves hijacked a van and stole its contents while scores of shoppers passed them by and people in bus queues looked on in Broad Street, Reading, on Wednesday morning.

Their haul... 2,400 of the Beatles’ much-sought-after new LP – “With The Beatles” – which is to be released today (Friday).

The value of the records is estimated at over £4,000. The records were for all the big dealers in Reading, except Hickie and Hickie, of Friar Street, who were receiving their quota when the theft occurred.

But fans of the Liverpool group will still be able to get the latest release – replacement stocks rushed in the following morning.”