Unique guitar stolen from car during band rehearsal

The distinctive white Fender Telecaster Deluxe custom – designed by Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett – was stolen shortly after a Happy Daggers rehearsal in Leeds.

Owner Sinclair Belle has been trawling online sales sites since the theft on September 13 in the hope that he might catch the thieves selling it on.

Now he is appealing to YEP readers to keep a look-out and pass on any information.

“It’s horrible to have anything taken but the fact it’s something that’s quite unique makes it worse,” he said.

“The guitar is really hard to find. It sounds a bit geeky but I had done quite a bit of research because I wanted a specific sound and look. I’d saved up a while to get it.”

Sinclair, 31, had been rehearsing with at a band member’s house in Norman Grove, Kirkstall, shortly before the theft took place at around 9pm.

He said: “I took some equipment out to my car to pack away, then went back inside for a chat. When I came back out I noticed something wasn’t right.

“The back seat was down into the boot. When I opened it the amp was still there but guitar and my equipment box had been taken. My passenger front door was opened and lots of things inside had been rifled through.”

Other items stolen included three black guitar cables, four guitar pedals, a transformer plug, and various microphones.

Sinclair said he had heard of thefts from other musicians in recent months, including a very expensive violin, and urged others to be on their guard when packing up equipment.

Police urged anyone who has been offered the guitar for sale or who has any information to call 101, quoting crime number 13160396480, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.