A vintage guitar collection belonging to Black Sorrows front man Joe Camilleri was stolen from his Kyneton home last Thursday evening.
Police said it was understood offenders forced entry to the music icon’s home about 10.30pm. They stole nine of his prized vintage guitars, personal papers, a passport, Apple iMac, Apple laptops, leaf blower and other household items.
Camilleri told the Express he had been in Melbourne for a few days and discovered the break-in when he returned home on Friday.
“My house was open,” he said. “At first, I wondered if I had accidentally left it that way, but as I walked in, I realised it was for the worse.”
Camilleri said it appeared offenders had taken items they felt they could on-sell but was baffled by some of the choices.
“They took some weird, dumb stuff, like shampoos from the bathroom and an old computer desktop,” he said.
“Cutlery was missing from the kitchen draws…. but the strange thing is that my gig guitar, a 1964 Gretsch, was still there right by the door. They also didn’t take my saxophone, although, mine are painted and one-of-a-kind, so they would be pretty hard to sell.”
The Black Sorrows posted about the incident on social media with images of the guitars on Friday to raise the alarm.
“We’re asking for the music fraternity to share this and let your local guitar shops know,” they wrote.
“These are distinct instruments and will be difficult to off-load. Serial numbers documented. Pics representative of make, model and colour.”
Listed stolen from the collection were: 1975 Fender Stratocaster, 1990s Gretsch Rock Jet Black, 1954 Gibson Switchmaster, 1956 Gibson L5, 1990s Gibson J200, 210 Map Guitar Airline Reissue, 1964 National Map Guitar Black, 1960 Gibson 330, and 1967 Gibson Les Paul Cherry Top.
Camilleri said the incident had left him feeling vulnerable.
“I feel a bit weird, a bit numb and violated in some ways. This is my home,” he said.
“I don’t feel scared but I feel vulnerable. Feeling safe is not something you question normally. We’re living in a strange world now.”
Police told the Express investigations into the matter remained ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online, via: crimestoppersvic.com.au
