$3,000 Trumpet Stolen From Dos Pueblos High School Student
Thieves targeting unlocked cars in Santa Barbara County and Goleta early Tuesday morning stole a teenager’s silver Bach Stradivarius trumpet out of his minivan.
Tave Grabenheinrich said the car was parked in his family long driveway overnight. His wallet was stolen from the glove box too. It was one of 15 unlocked cars broken into in the area near Fairview Ave. area north of Cathedral Oaks.
The professional trumpet is worth about $3,000.
Grabenheinrich’s parents said they bought the trumpet from a professional musician four years ago after their son was selected to join the Santa Barbara Youth Orchestra. He is also a member of the Dos Pueblos Jazz band that recently performed on the Fox 11 morning show. He also plays the silver instrument in a local reggae band called Sol Seasons.
A painter who recognized Tave at a pizza place near the teen’s part-time job at a surf shop found his stolen wallet with his identification inside near a Motel 6 dumpster.
The 16-year-old went to the motel after school and found his trumpet case badly damaged, but the trumpet was gone.
His parents think the thieves may have cased their property because tools were also stolen from a shed.
They said it is devastating because Tave has some upcoming competitions and performances.
A member of The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation read about the story on the KEYT.com website and said the bowl has a program that would like to replace the trumpet if the stolen one isn’t found. Kai Tepper, the Foundation’s education outreach program manager said it is important that the teen has an instrument to practice with.
“Here at the Bowl, we truly care about our performing arts community-especially when it comes to our youth. I hope we can help him out,” Tepper said. For informaiton about the foundation log onto, www.bowl.com
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s public information officer Kelly Hoover said most of the crimes are crimes of opportunity since the cars were left unlocked.
At least six thefts from autos occurred in the Langlo Ranch area on March 2, and 15 in Winchester Canyon area on March 9.
In addition to locking up, and keeping valuables out of sight, Hoover said the best car burglary deterrent is parking in lighted areas. She said motion sensor lighting can make a difference because thieves prefer dark places.
Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department at (805)683-2724 or leave an anonymous tip at (805)681-4171.
