04/09/2009
Online Music Forum Nets Stolen Gear
A Northern Ireland online music forum has been instrumental in solving a case of stolen music equipment, writes TheBigList Editor, Damien Whinnery, exclusively.
On Thursday, a user of the popular musician forum Fastfude, reported a cache of equipment, including a rare coloured Fender Jaguar guitar (similar to that pictured) and accessories, had been stolen from his car in Annadale Avenue in Belfast.
Within the hour, another user of the site posted a response saying he had seen the exact same equipment in a popular Belfast store which buys second hand equipment.
The response read: "I fear your jaguar may be in Cash Converters in Belfast… head down there now and check."
Before long a number of users began posting sympathetic messages for the victim's loss, which would have cost an estimated £1,000.
Yesterday evening at 6.02pm, the victim delighted users with the message his equipment had been recovered, all thanks to the users of the Fastfude site.
"Just back from Cash Convertors where we found all our stolen gear. The police have seized it and we will hopefully get it back tomorrow. Fingers crossed the guy who stole it will get caught as the police now have a copy of his ID."
"Thank you very much!"
Cash Converters operate a policy of taking a copy of a seller's ID in case such incidences occur.
A spokesman for the Cash Converters store said: "When anyone sells anything to the store he would have had to show us ID and would be on camera. So I think it's likely police will be able to get a conviction."
Messages of congratulations have been ringing around the forum since last night, with one poster adding: "I've only been on here a few weeks but that's the best thread I've read yet.
"Great to see a result like that and especially so quickly. Well done to all concerned."
A spokesman for the PSNI said: "Police now know who the culprit was, and are investigating."
(DW/BMcC)
On Thursday, a user of the popular musician forum Fastfude, reported a cache of equipment, including a rare coloured Fender Jaguar guitar (similar to that pictured) and accessories, had been stolen from his car in Annadale Avenue in Belfast.
Within the hour, another user of the site posted a response saying he had seen the exact same equipment in a popular Belfast store which buys second hand equipment.
The response read: "I fear your jaguar may be in Cash Converters in Belfast… head down there now and check."
Before long a number of users began posting sympathetic messages for the victim's loss, which would have cost an estimated £1,000.
Yesterday evening at 6.02pm, the victim delighted users with the message his equipment had been recovered, all thanks to the users of the Fastfude site.
"Just back from Cash Convertors where we found all our stolen gear. The police have seized it and we will hopefully get it back tomorrow. Fingers crossed the guy who stole it will get caught as the police now have a copy of his ID."
"Thank you very much!"
Cash Converters operate a policy of taking a copy of a seller's ID in case such incidences occur.
A spokesman for the Cash Converters store said: "When anyone sells anything to the store he would have had to show us ID and would be on camera. So I think it's likely police will be able to get a conviction."
Messages of congratulations have been ringing around the forum since last night, with one poster adding: "I've only been on here a few weeks but that's the best thread I've read yet.
"Great to see a result like that and especially so quickly. Well done to all concerned."
A spokesman for the PSNI said: "Police now know who the culprit was, and are investigating."
(DW/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2015
Sports Firm Burgled In South Belfast
Police suspect a vehicle was used to break into a business in south Belfast. Thieves made off with a large quantity of sports clothing during a break in at Teamwear Ireland on Stockmans Way. Cricket equipment, three laptops, an iPad and a sum of money was also stolen. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
Sports Firm Burgled In South Belfast
Police suspect a vehicle was used to break into a business in south Belfast. Thieves made off with a large quantity of sports clothing during a break in at Teamwear Ireland on Stockmans Way. Cricket equipment, three laptops, an iPad and a sum of money was also stolen. Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
17 July 2015
Police Appeal After Building Equipment Stolen From Sites In Lisburn
Police are appealing for information after building equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen from a site in the Lisburn area. Generators and transformers as well as welding equipment were stolen from a construction site near to Sprucefield Park and Ride facility sometime overnight.
Police Appeal After Building Equipment Stolen From Sites In Lisburn
Police are appealing for information after building equipment worth thousands of pounds was stolen from a site in the Lisburn area. Generators and transformers as well as welding equipment were stolen from a construction site near to Sprucefield Park and Ride facility sometime overnight.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.