Re: [Harp-L] James Harman burglarized

["david j. brown" <nonidesign@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Terrible, terrible news.

The music gear was an obvious choice when the house was getting lifted but
the records seem an odd pick, especially because there were so many of them
and any additional time at the house was a risk. My guess is that the
thieves were a group who know where to dump this type of stuff, in which
case they might have even met James somewhere. Does he remember discussing
his possessions with anyone recently? Were there any strangers in the house
recently? Kids? A party, etc.? Was he at a guitar show or music event? Is he
in any social groups involved with music or record collectors?

The other possibility is that the people who took his place down were just
grabbing goods and hit a gold mine, in which case they might not be real
smart (not that being a burglar is ever a brilliant idea). The records might
even have gone to a local used goods dealer. James might want to do the
rounds around his area and see if he notices any of his records in the bins
at used vinyl places, thrift stores, pawnshops, etc. These places have
regulars who sell to them and the owner should have a memory of a collection
like that coming in. If James does this, and sees some of his records or
gear in a store, make sure he doesn't mention it to the store's employees or
owner. Get a cop instead (some owners and employees run fence as well as
their stores). 
Another idea might be to put an ad or two in local papers and post ups in
local music stores as someone looking to buy used instruments. Bait for the
dummies. 

I know all this seems like a long shot but these ideas have worked in the
past for people I know.

Personally I believe there is a special hell for anyone who steals music
gear.

Good luck to him from me.