Camden Guitars Owner Fumes as Brazen Thief Walks Out With Classic Guitar

Brazen Guitar Theft Shocks Camden Town Music Shop

A brazen theft has left a Camden Town music shop owner fuming after a valuable guitar was stolen in broad daylight. CCTV footage captured the suspect calmly picking the instrument off a hook and walking out of Camden Guitars on Chalk Farm Road on June 10. This incident is the latest in a string of thefts that have plagued the independent store.

Owner's Frustration Mounts

Deicola Neves, the owner of Camden Guitars, expressed his deep frustration with the current policing situation in Camden Town. He stated that four of his best-selling guitars have been stolen recently, but feels the police are not taking these crimes seriously. Mr. Neves highlighted a perceived lack of police presence and a reluctance to investigate thefts, particularly those valued under £1,000, which he argues are still significant losses for small businesses.

Key Takeaways

• A classic guitar was stolen from Camden Guitars on June 10.

• The owner, Deicola Neves, reports a pattern of thefts with little police response.

• Mr. Neves criticises the process of reporting crimes online and the threshold for police investigation.

• The incident occurs amidst wider concerns about Met Police budget cuts and their impact on crime investigation.

A Pattern of Crime

Mr. Neves described the suspect as a regular visitor to the shop, who had previously been seen browsing with another man and a young girl, possibly around 16 years old. He noted that criminals are becoming increasingly bold, not even bothering to conceal their identities, as they believe there is no one to apprehend them. This lack of police intervention, he feels, emboldens offenders.

Broader Policing Concerns

The theft at Camden Guitars comes at a time when the Metropolitan Police are facing significant budget challenges, with plans to cut over 1,700 officers, PCSOs, and staff. Senior police officials have warned that these cuts will necessitate difficult decisions regarding which crimes can be investigated. The Met Police is reportedly restructuring to prioritise serious crime and prevention, but this has led to concerns about the capacity to address lower-value thefts that still impact local businesses.

Past Incidents and Frustrations

This is not the first time Mr. Neves has faced such challenges. In 2018, he had to act as his own detective to track down a man who stole a £6,000 microphone from his shop. Despite the case eventually going to court, Mr. Neves experienced further frustration when a court-ordered fine was not paid, and the court system offered little recourse. He recounted finding one of his stolen guitars for sale in a nearby second-hand shop, further compounding his sense of helplessness.

Sources

• ‘He just walks out with it': Brazen guitar theft at Camden Town music shop, Camden New Journal.