West Bromwich musicians devastated as instruments stolen

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Published 25th Jan 2022, 12:41 GMT

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A GoFundMe page has now been set up as the charity looks to replace the valuable instruments and equipment which were stolen

The People’s Orchestra has suffered a ‘devastating blow’ after the charity’s van containing valuable equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen in Birmingham city centre on Sunday evening (23 January).

Members of the orchestra - which is based in West Bromwich - were recording in the city centre for a Commonwealth Games project when the theft took place.

The charity’s white Fiat van containing sound and video recording equipment, percussion instruments, drum kits and staging curtains worth thousands of pounds was taken from Gough Street close to Trefoil House between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

Orchestra founder Sarah Marshall has now set up a GoFundMe page to replace the stolen instruments and equipment.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from The People’s Orchestra on Sunday — Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from The People’s Orchestra on Sunday | The People’s Orchestra

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from The People’s Orchestra on Sunday — Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from The People’s Orchestra on Sunday | The People’s Orchestra

What’s been said following the theft?

Ms Marshall, said: “Over the weekend, The People’s Orchestra and singers from The People’s Show Choirs had been recording a new work by award-winning film composer John Koutselinis celebrating the Commonwealth Games this summer.

“This is a disaster for our small charity. The vehicle and equipment are the result of many years of fundraising and they will take a long time to replace.

The van was stolen in Gough Street at the weekend — The van was stolen in Gough Street at the weekend | The People’s Orchestra

The van was stolen in Gough Street at the weekend — The van was stolen in Gough Street at the weekend | The People’s Orchestra

“It’s a devastating blow and if anyone knows anything, please contact the police. Our charity helps a lot of people through its music making but now we need your help.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police, said: “We’re investigating after a van containing musical instruments was stolen in Gough Street, Birmingham at between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, quoting log 3552 of 23 January, or by calling 101.”

You can visit the GoFundMe page, here.

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