Popular Peninsula musician devastated after thieves steal two precious guitars from his car
Young muso Sam O’Connell lost two irreplaceable guitars after thieves broke into his car. But his community is rallying to help.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young Mornington Peninsula muso is devastated after thieves stole his two most precious possessions: his guitars.
The 21-year-old singer songwriter had been staying at his girlfriend’s house in Langwarrin when someone smashed his rear car window overnight on December 1, snatching the instruments worth more than $3000.
MORE NEWS
SMOKERS OUTSIDE FRANKSTON HOSPITAL SPARK ANGER
CLIFF DAREDEVILS SCALE BRAND-NEW FENCE
Sam O’Connell has been a music identity on the Peninsula scene since he began performing four years ago.
He said waking up Sunday morning to learn his two guitars were stolen was “like a dagger to the heart.”
“I was absolutely devastated when the gravity of the situation hit,” O’Connell said.
“I understand it was a mistake to leave them there.”
O’Connell told the Leader both guitars have “a hell of a lot of sentimental value.”
“Obviously the financial value (of the guitars) is expensive but that doesn’t even matter. Important possessions are pieces of your heart and you want to be able to keep them around forever.”
MORE NEWS
STATE GOV DEMANDS MONEY BACK FOR FAILED BASKETBALL STADIUM
A Maton guitar O’Connell played at his first gig was stolen.
“It’s been everywhere with me. It’s been a friend through good and bad times. I’ve written and recorded songs with it.”
The other was a Cole Clark given to him by his grandmother.
A post on the Sam O’Connell Music Facebook page has been shared over a thousand times and a Go Fund Me page set up on O’Connell’s behalf, with 33 people donating $1188 in one day.
“ I didn’t know that many people cared. It’s been really incredible to have so much support from family and friends and the music community.”
O’Connell also said people had offered cheap windscreen repairs and spare guitars.
Police believe it was not a targeted theft and thieves seized the opportunity after spying the guitars through the car window.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Goudy said it served as a reminder not to keep valuable possessions in cars.
He said police would canvass second-hand dealers for the guitars and was optimistic about finding them because they were “fairly unique”.
Information: Frankston crime investigation unit on 9784 5555 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
To support O’Connell, visit gofundme.com/help-sam-oconnell
MORE NEWS: