A DUMBARTON music studio has been left “devastated” after their equipment van was snatched last week.

SKapade Studios’ “pride and joy” – an £11,000 black Ford Transit T260 van – was stolen some time between 1.15am and 9.30am on Tuesday, July 10.

Award-winning SKapade, who work with schools and education departments across West Dunbartonshire to teach children about music production, say the theft has left their community work – including a DJ set at Dumbarton police station’s annual open day – in jeopardy.

Stephen Kirkwood, who founded the independent music studio on Castlegreen Street, was away on holiday when he received the news.

Stephen, who says they have had the van for two years, told the Reporter: “I woke up to the news on my phone. I was gobsmacked.

“The van was used to carry equipment to and from schools - things like mikes and computers. We can’t just put all that equipment in the back of somebody’s boot.

“It’s just a massive blow.

“We have the Police Open Day coming up, we don’t think we’ll be able to do it now.

“I’d saved my own personal money for the van. SKapade has had a couple of grants but other than that everything has been self-funded.

“The van is so distinctive. People have been so shocked by the news. If anyone has information, please get in touch with the police.”

Police Scotland confirmed the ‘13’ plate van, which has “SKapade Studios’ written on the side, had been parked on Silverton Avenue, Dumbarton, from 1.15am, and is said to have been discovered to be missing later that day.

Cops say they received information that a vehicle fitting the description of the stolen van was spotted at a fuel station at Milton in the early hours, with the enquiry ongoing.

Inspector Roddy MacNeill of Dumbarton police said: “The owners of the van are DJs and carry out a lot of charity work with the West Dunbartonshire area, and as a result the theft will have a negative impact on numerous community groups in the area including Police Scotland, as the SKapade team were due to DJ at the open day at Dumbarton Police Office.”

The SKapade team also took to social media to make the public aware of the theft and appeal for information.

A Tweet announcing the theft has since been retweeted nearly 300 times.

Any sightings of the van, or information regarding its theft, can be reported to Dumbarton police station on 101 or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.