Thieves steal Scarborough Area Music Centre's van: 'Parents are deeply upset and hoping to get it back'

The white Mercedes Sprinter van was taken from the Scarborough Sixth Form College car park in Sandybed Lane sometime between Friday and Saturday.

Ralph Alder, manager of the music centre, wich is based at the college, said fundraising will be required to replace the vehicle if they do not get it back.

“It was bought about two years ago using some money from a very generous donation from Leopold Masonic Lodge by our parents committee, which is a registered charity,” he said.

“They have been deeply upset and are hoping to get it back.

“The van is insured but there will be a shortfall between what it's worth and what we will get back so if we don’t get it back, we’re going to have to do some fundraising.”

The music centre has been shut since March because of the pandemic but usually provides specialist guidance for young musicians playing in ensembles.

The van is vital to the centre, being used to transport instruments and equipment to and from performances such as Scarborough Jazz Festival and Eskdale Festival in Whitby.

“Thankfully the van was quite empty,” said Mr Alder.

“It did have two pop-up banners inside and a big box of 50 fold-up music stands inside.”

The van’s registration is PO64 ZVZ.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area where the van was taken from or has seen the van since Friday should contact North Yorkshire Police via 101.

Information can also be passed on via Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555111.

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