Tom A. Smith’s Father Starts GoFundMe to Replace Stolen Equipment

Artist’s Equipment Theft Raises Urgent Funding Need

Tom A. Smith's father has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to secure funds necessary for replacing equipment that was stolen from his son's van.

• READ MORE: On the alarming rise in tour van thefts: “Why should new groups be at greater risk of being robbed?”

The Sunderland artist was on his way to London for a live session with his band at Radio X with John Kennedy on Friday (December 20) when four guitars, pedals, a laptop, a cajon, a live amp, and essential medications were taken from their van at a service station.

Among the stolen items was a treasured guitar gifted to Smith by his grandfather six years ago. Smith expressed his profound disappointment, saying, “Absolutely devastated. I don’t know what to do. Laptops and necessary medications for the group member. If anyone attempts to sell them to you, please help.”

GoFundMe Campaign Established for Replacement Items

In response, Smith has shared a link to a crowdfunding campaign set up by his father aimed at raising funds to replace the stolen items, allowing the band to continue their tour. See page here.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments and shares of our posts. Several people offered to contribute, so we created this. Please read carefully and share if possible. https://t.co/UQfAbhWn9z

— TOM SMITH (@tomasmithmusic) December 21, 2024

On X, he expressed gratitude for the support received on Saturday (December 21), stating, “Some people offered to contribute so we created this, please read carefully and share if possible.”

Andy Smith, Tom’s father, detailed the theft in the GoFundMe description and estimated that approximately £11,000 worth of equipment is missing, which includes Christmas gifts intended for bassist Katie Anderson’s family.

“The purpose of the funding is not merely to replace items,” he noted. “We need to perform, and with the right professional equipment, we can move forward. If feasible, we would simplify our setup to be less visible while touring. Yes, it’s absurd!”

“We are all struggling right now, especially with Christmas approaching,” he added. “Do not feel obligated if you cannot contribute. We will persevere, but it would be great to support Katie, who has lost thousands and is not insured. A few people offered to help with the crowdfunding, so we decided to create this.”

As of the latest update, the campaign has raised £3,570, achieving 60 percent of its £6,000 target. You can read more and donate here.

NME‘s investigation into the increase in equipment thefts referenced a 2019 study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which utilized data from UK police and found that van thefts surged nearly 50 percent between 2015 and 2019, totaling 32,056 incidents over four years—averaging 22 stolen vans daily.

In addition, earlier this year, RAYE reported the theft of her writing books along with her car, which delayed the release of her long-awaited second album.

Meanwhile, Smith is set to join James on select UK tour dates in 2025, including performances in Lincoln, Plymouth, and Colchester – visit here for tickets.