A SUNSHINE man is pleading for information that might help him find his much-loved guitar, which was stolen from his house in January.
Musician Antal Barabas had two guitars stolen from his Joan St home on Australia Day while he enjoyed a fishing trip with friends.
Thieves took his 1969 Jazz Fender guitar as well as his custom-made five-string bass guitar, which was designed in England and specifically made to fit Mr Barabas ’ body shape.
Mr Barabas said he loved both guitars hut the loss of his five-string bass guitar was devastating.
"It was something special that was just for me. that no one else had," he said.
"it was made to specifically suit me. it ’s like buying a suit.
It was tailored for me.
"1 watched it being built for 12 months. It had everything I like in a guitar in it." Detective Senior Constable Sandy Thwaites told Star that the custom-made guitar had been pawned at Cash Converters in Sunshine.
She said a member of the public had purchased the guitar from the Store for about $230 on 23 March. not knowing they were buying stolen goods.
Also unaware the guitar was stolen. Cash Converters did not keep record of the person who bought Mr Barabas ’ guitar.
Det Sen Const Thwaites said police were keen to speak with anyone who had information on the whereabouts of the guitar and stressed that the person who had bought it from Cash Converters was not in the wrong and would in no way be prosecuted.
Mr Barabas said he was willing to compensate the person who had bought the guitar and would also be happy to provide a small reward.
Having had no insurance at the time of the burglary. Mr Barabas now has no guitar and cannot afford to buy another.
"It was very special to me, 1 used to play it every day.
"It is worth everything to me. I ’m happy to pay whoever bought it to get it back." Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either the Fender or the custom-made bass guitar can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Del Sen Const Thwaites at Sunshine Police Station on 9313 3333.
Melbourne,Australia
