Four thieves steal precious guitar during charity fundraiser in Burwood

While a charity fundraiser was taking place at a church in Melbourne’s east, a group of gutless thieves ransacked the underground car park, stealing a precious family heirloom.

A grieving wife performing a community fundraiser to raise money for charity has had a precious “family heirloom” — a guitar belonging to her late husband — stolen by gutless thieves.

Jayde Wong was performing live music at a fundraising gala for The Retreat, a charity which provides safety, shelter and support for children, adults and families affected by domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking.

While performing, a group of four thieves entered the garage underneath the church, taking numerous items from various car boots.

Ms Wong told the Herald Sun she brought the guitar to all her gigs because of how much it meant to her family.

Ed Wong (left) was an “amazing musician” who died of esophogeal cancer in March 2021 while his wife Jayde (middle) was 30 weeks pregnant. Picture: Supplied

Jayde Wong takes the guitar to all of her gigs.

Ed died of esophegeal cancer while she was 30 weeks pregnant in March 2021, and Ms Wong said he was an “amazing musician”.

In a plea to the thieves, Ms Wong said “they can have the other stuff”, but “I need this back … I feel like it is all I have left”.

The thieves entered the Burwood Community Church late on Saturday night and stole from six cars after they smashed the windows.

Jayde Wong issued a plea to the thieves to return her beloved “family heirloom” guitar.

“It’s a family heirloom, beautiful and unique,” she said.

Ms Wong told the Herald Sun the thieves left in a getaway vehicle and nearly ran over one of her friends who tried to stop them as they fled the scene.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating after six vehicles were broken into.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.