Burglars steal ‘entire jazz band’ from St Albans centre

The owner of a St Albans music centre has described the theft of thousands of pounds worth of instruments a “major kick in the teeth”.

One or more thieves broke into Herts Music Centre, which is a shop, teaching centre and rehearsal space for musicians, in Campfield Road between 8pm on Wednesday, February 1 and 9.50am the following day.

The 34 stolen instruments include saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, flutes, piccolos, portable pianos and guitars.

James Cockell, who owns the centre, said: “I’m quite disappointed that the instruments they’ve taken are not common instruments. The bulk of them are brass and woodwind. They’ve taken an entire jazz band.

“They’ve taken them without cases and mouthpieces so they are not much use to the general public. Disappointingly some of the instruments are second hand and some are new and of limited appeal so it seems a strange thing to steal.

“They’ve taken digital pianos that are a brand that hasn’t been launched in the country, and they’ve taken them without power packs.”

Police are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the shop between the times stated to get in touch. They would also like to hear from anyone who believes they have been offered the stolen instruments for sale.

Mr Cockell said: “We are a small business. It’s a major kick in the teeth for us.”