Stolen guitars signed by some of rock’s biggest names have been found hidden in the dirt beneath a Lota house.
Detective Senior Constable Lonie Horn said nine of the 14 instruments stolen from a Manly West house last month were found buried beneath a Lota house during a police search on the weekend.
Another two were found in the property’s ceiling, while the remaining three were found at houses in Thorneside, Alexandra Hills and Mount Cotton.
The theft of the instruments from a shed at the back of Leonard “Merv” French’s home late last month made national headlines.
The collector said he almost jumped out of his chair when police called to tell him the guitars, which were stolen from a shed at the back of his Manly West home last month had been found.
“I’d given it up; I thought they’d dump them in the creek when they realised they were no good to them,” he said.
Senior Constable Horn said the thieves had probably realised it would be almost impossible to sell the distinctive guitars, which were signed by rock icons such as Jimmy Barnes, the Eagles, Richard Clapton and Kiss.
“I’d say they’ve tried to hide them for the short term until everything got smoothed over,” he said.
At the time of publication, a man was assisting police, but no charges had been laid over the theft.
Mr French said he was disappointed some of the signatures had been damaged or rubbed off the instruments, but said he could have them resigned by any of the surviving artists.
He planned to take the guitars home to a more secure location.
Anyone who has any information about the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
