The instruments were stolen ahead of the band’s new tour
A Pleasantville, New Jersey man has been arrested and charged for allegedly stealing instruments that belong to Heart. An electric guitar and vintage mandolin were lifted from inside the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on May 30th, where the band kicked off its new tour earlier this week.
NBC Philadelphia reports that investigators obtained surveillance video of the theft where they identified 57-year-old Garfield Bennett as the suspect. Police state Bennett was captured on video walking through various parts of the city, trying to sell the instruments.
Police charged Bennett with burglary and theft yesterday (Wed, June 4th) after being arrested in Atlantic City.
“We are deeply grateful to the Atlantic City Police Department, the Hard Rock organization, and everyone who came together to support us in the search for our stolen instruments. The outpouring of love and concern has been overwhelming, and we are truly touched by the strength and compassion of this community.
We’ve heard from fans, fellow musicians, media outlets, and kind-hearted people from around the world—and it means the world to us. Your support has been amazing!” Wilson shares on social media. “While we’re encouraged by the progress made and thankful that an arrest has been made, our instruments have not yet been recovered. We remain hopeful that they will be returned to us soon.”
One of the instruments was sold, but Atlantic City police are unsure which one. They urge anyone in possession of the stolen instrument to contact their department to return it. They warn anyone anyone found in possession of it will be arrested and charged for receiving stolen property if it’s not willingly surrendered.
Anyone with details should contact the Atlantic City Police Department at 609-347-5766 or text anonymously to tip411, beginning with ACPD.
Nancy Wilson’s custom-built, one-of-a-kind purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, and vintage a 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that band member Paul Moak has played for 25 years were the instruments stolen from the venue. It’s unclear how Bennett accessed the area where the instruments were stored.
