LOS ANGELES (Nov. 24) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three individuals involved in the theft of high-value guitars from a Westlake Village music store in two separate incidents.
According to a bulletin from the Sheriff’s Department, the first theft occurred on Oct. 19 at approximately 6:45 p.m. at what authorities described as the “Platinum showroom of a guitar store.” The exact location of the store has not been disclosed.
Details of the Thefts
In the first incident, a suspect stole a Gibson ES-335 Custom Murphy Lab guitar from the showroom wall and exited the store without paying. These guitars, according to Gibson’s website, are valued between $6,000 and $10,000.
The suspect is described as a Black man in his 20s with black hair. At the time of the theft, he was wearing a black shirt, black pants, and black-and-brown shoes. Notably, the suspect had a cast on his right hand and tattoos on the back of his neck.
The second theft occurred on Nov. 5 between 7:45 and 8:00 p.m. During this incident, two suspects entered the store under the pretense of shopping. According to investigators, one of the individuals allegedly used pliers to cut the security cables securing two Gibson guitars inside a glass showcase.
The suspects then placed the guitars into a case carried by one of them before leaving the store without making any payment.
These suspects are described as Hispanic men in their early to mid-20s. One wore a black shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers, while the other donned a black baseball cap, a black shirt, gray pants, gray-and-white Adidas slides, and a black crossbody bag.
The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information about these incidents to contact Detective Lopez at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station by calling 818-878-1808.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
The department’s appeal comes amid heightened attention on guitar-related thefts. Just days ago, federal authorities announced the seizure of thousands of counterfeit Gibson guitars, which would have been worth over $18 million if they were genuine.
The ongoing thefts of high-value guitars underscore the challenges facing retailers in securing valuable inventory and highlight the need for vigilance from both businesses and consumers in combating retail theft.
Further updates on the investigation will be provided as new information becomes available.
