The thief who pried open a Nanaimo music store early Wednesday took only two guitars, but chose carefully, stealing two vintage 1958 and 1959 Fender Stratocasters worth $21,000 and $25,000, respectively.
The alarms at Arbutus Music started ringing as soon as the doors were opened, but the thief or thieves were in and out before police could arrive.
Owner Richard Leighton said it appears the person knew what they were looking for.
“They targeted two very specific guitars,” he said. The store had a vintage guitar show on Sunday, and Leighton speculated those responsible “might have been there looking at the guitars.”
Three Stratocasters — the centrepieces of the store — were hanging on the wall behind the till. But the thief took only the two with sunburst designs, leaving behind the custom colour model.
Leighton posted news of the theft on the store’s Facebook page and within hours, the post was shared hundreds of time. He has also contacted pawn shops and plans to search online ads.
“They’re very rare guitars and they’re very collectible. There’s not a lot around and that’s why they’re so expensive,” he said.
“Every guitar has its own story,” Leighton said, adding one of the guitars was given to him by a friend of his grandfather’s.
Nanaimo RCMP are investigating, said Const. Gary O’Brien.
Police ask anyone with information to call them at 250-754-2345.
Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or going to crimestoppers.ca.
