Guitar Theft Ring in New Jersey inthe News

[mikeyesfan]

http://www.wcbs880.com/Guitar-Theft-Rin ... ey/3757070

Yikes..hide your guitars!

[windchimp]

I heard this on the radio today coming to work. Sounds like it may be some sort of "inside job"...who knows.

Just another reason to document all of the toys...and tuck them away in a remote part of the house. Nothing invites thieves like a room full of guitars on wall hangers which is visible through a window.

[scoobster28]

Quote: "They include brand names like Fender, Gretsch, Ibanez, Martin and Squier."

I laughed when I saw Squier listed by the reporter. I feel sorry for the burglars who broke in and stole the stuff, then discovered it was a Squier that they had just taken.

[winston]

I am not so sure about that Ben. I have a couple of Squiers that I would be really upset if I lost them to thieves. I have had one forever it seems and I now use it for recording. They are both tone monsters and incredibly good for both rock and blues.

Anyway back to the subject on hand thieves that target instruments. Obviously with the value of vintage guitars and basses being what they are, it is not surprising to me that some enterprising individuals have integrated the theft of musical instuments into their nefarious business.

Lock your instruments up if you can. But certainly keep them out of sight.

[dog]

I'm sure glad that my anti-social dogs seem to love my guitars, but hate intruders.

[JakeK]

Could Pick of the Ricks be in danger?

[stringsncords]

All the more reason to insure your guitars - it's not that expensive to add a musical instrument rider to your homeowner's policy, and the peace of mind is well worth it!

[Scastles]

All the more reason to insure your guitars - it's not that expensive to add a musical instrument rider to your homeowner's policy, and the peace of mind is well worth it!

How true. If you have, for instance, around $10K in guitars it might cost you $85 a year.

[melibreits]

I have a list of all my guitars, amps, and other miscellaneous musical instruments and pieces of gear and their respective serial numbers locked in a safe deposit box at the bank, along with photos of all the items in question. That way if the unthinkable should happen, it would be that much easier to prove my ownership should they turn up for sale somewhere.... When we leave town I try to make sure all expensive gear is out of sight, and the curtains are drawn in the rooms where the gear is kept.

[Scastles]

I have a list of all my guitars, amps, and other miscellaneous musical instruments and pieces of gear and their respective serial numbers locked in a safe deposit box at the bank, along with photos of all the items in question. That way if the unthinkable should happen, it would be that much easier to prove my ownership should they turn up for sale somewhere.... When we leave town I try to make sure all expensive gear is out of sight, and the curtains are drawn in the rooms where the gear is kept.

This is wonderful idea! The only downside is if they are not insured as 'declared items', at your appraised value, the insurance company may only give you the replacement value if stolen or destroyed. A lot of people think full replacement means they get what the item is worth. But replacement cost is not market value, but is often the cost to replace an item or structure as it was originally valued. Your home is often insured above its current appraised value as an opposite example, not always so with certain irreplaceable, personal items.

[stringsncords]

My RIC dealer gave me a certificate of appraisal, stating the replacement value of each of my guitars if a claim is ever made. A reputable musical instrument dealer should be able to supply a document of this type to anyone who wants insurance, even if the instruments weren't purchased from that dealer (a small fee may be charged).

Upon renewal of my insurance policy, I'll have the appraisal reviewed by my dealer, as some of the COY and limited edition guitars will undoubtedly appreciate in value.

[britinvasion]

Could Pick of the Ricks be in danger?

Pick of the Ricks is actually in South Jersey, the towns quoted in the article are in North Jersey, closer to New York.
Glad I have a pair of ill-tempered dogs that happen to sleep where I keep my guitars.

[goofyfoot]

Heritage Insurance Services (underwritten by Hartford) is my antidote. The $250 annual premium currently covers $30,000 worth of musical gear. No deductibles and virtually no exclusions. I understand Heritage insures more than a few of the independent acoustic-guitar luthiers, according to the company's VP who monitors my account. It's a very cool outfit. Basically, wherever my guitar goes it's covered for theft and damage. Keep on keepin' on.......Goofyfoot.

[jdogric12]

I also use Heritage. Great terms and rates. I've never filed a claim (amen) so I can't comment on that, but I recommend them to everyone, just as a forumite here with a huge collection recommended them to me.