An Ipswich musician whose treasured guitar was stolen from his home has spoken of his delight after it was recovered two years later.
Joshua Locke's Ibanez RRG350, which he received as an 18th birthday present, was stolen, along with two other guitars and a bicycle, after a thief broke into his garage in July 2024.
The break-in happened in Ipswich's Priory Heath area during the early hours of Tuesday, July 9, 2024, when three guitars and a pedal bike were stolen.
The instrument carried huge sentimental value for the 37-year-old, who used it while gigging across Suffolk with his former band.
"I had it when I was 18," he said. "It [the band] was with my brother and my best mates. We were gigging all around Suffolk."
Over the years, Mr Locke modified the guitar with new pickups, machine heads and a symbol he designed at school, making it instantly recognisable.
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The theft left him worried he was being watched as the the thief knew where to look for the guitars, which were not easily located in the garage.
However, he said a fundraiser organised by a friend “restored his faith in humanity”.
The fundraiser reached about £1,700, allowing him to replace some of the stolen equipment and buy resources for pupils at the schools where he teaches music.
Last Thursday, an old school friend sent him a photograph of a guitar for sale in a local pawn shop.
“I knew straight away it was mine because it had the symbol I’d made at school on the headstock,” he said.
Suffolk Constabulary persuaded the shop to hand over the guitar, which officers retrieved on Friday. Mr Locke praised the force and Officer Wright, who returned it to him.
"She was such a fantastic officer to work with. She was brilliant," he said. "I was so, so happy to see it [the guitar]."
Mr Locke, who performs with J.S. and the Lockerbillies and 80s tribute band 88mph, said the guitar would return to the stage after some much-needed repairs.
"I'm gonna get it back out on the road again," he said.
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