Just had this message from the Dorset based band State of Undress...please keep a look out for the van, and the guitars and equipment...

"Press Release State of Undress Van and Equipment Stolen

State of Undress that rocky rootsy fiddlesome band have been having a real roller coaster of a year. Loads of ups - with amazing gigs right across the country; a major down in the summer when their fiddle player's lovely wife was ill, and now, just when they were really back on the up with a great momentum building for next year, they have had another significant set back. Their band van, together with their sound equipment (PA and speakers), several guitars and other equipment has been stolen.

Charlie Rose, lead singer and one of the writers with State of Undress, said: 'This is such a huge blow - especially for Malcolm our bass player. The band van belongs to him. It's a big white Mercedes Sprinter (Reg R388 YTF) but all customised inside. Malcolm had converted it himself so that it could be used as a camper van with sleeping areas and cooking facilities but also seats for all the band members and purpose built storage for all the equipment. There was an exact place for everything. We loved it and we've had such brilliant times in it. It's taken us from Cornwall to Scotland and from London to Ireland this year.'

Malcolm Windett, bass player and song writer, continued: 'I'm gutted. The loss of the van is bad enough but my guitars are unique and very personal to me. Each one has its own distinctive musical personality. Anyone who plays an instrument will understand how I'm feeling.'

Fellow musicians are asked to keep a look out for the guitars and other equipment which may be offered for sale in local shops or on eBay. The guitars are very striking: an Alembic Elan 5-string bass, a Washburn fretless bass and an Ovation nylon-string acoustic guitar.

The other stolen equipment includes: two Mackie SM450s speakers plus stands and a Yamaha digital desk; a Paul Jones suitcase amp and extension cabinet; a TC helicon vocal monitor; a Boss pedal board and various pedals. A selection of lights and leads were also taken.

State of Undress are not just a local band. They are a professional touring band who play all across the UK. In December, they are due to play in London, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as well as their annual Christmas show at The Regent Centre in Christchurch - this may prove a little difficult without their band transport!

Charlie adds: ' With petrol prices the way they are, it's just not cost-effective for us to travel separately in our cars. And although the van and equipment is insured, it will take months to sort out everything. If anyone out there can help us in the short-term, we would be so grateful.'

If anyone thinks they have seen a van, guitars or any of the other equipment matching these descriptions and which may belong to State of Undress, please contact Dorset police on 101 quoting case number T11C-049743 and if anyone thinks they can help the band in any other way please contact them on 07971 472768.

Thanks for your help,
Jacqui x