TWO OF the country’s top folk musicians have pleaded with thieves to return the “irreplaceable” equipment they stole from their van in Petersfield.
Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman believe their van was deliberately targeted by thieves while they and their children were sleeping in the Premier Inn.
Acoustic guitars and a flute that Kathryn was given for her 21st birthday were among the items that were stolen in the early hours of Monday morning (April 24). Mr Lakeman described the theft as “a dreadful shock” as much of the stolen equipment had great sentimental value.
He said: “It’s the first theft we’ve experienced in 25 years of performing.
“One of the guitars I’ve had since I was 19. I had it for over 20 years and it’s gone around the world.
“Even if the equipment is handed in anonymously we would love to have it back as it means so much to us.”
The Devon couple, named “Best Duo” at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2016, stayed in Petersfiled in between concerts in Farncombe and Dorset. They were full of praise for Premier Inn staff while their Dorchester show went ahead as planned thanks to the support of the folk community.
Mr Lakeman added: “The staff at the Premier Inn were ever so good, ten out of ten for them all.
“I think we were targeted because it didn’t have the hallmarks of an opportunistic theft because ours was the only vehicle robbed in that car park.
“I backed the van up to a hedge, it was right under a light in prime view and we noticed there was CCTV so we thought it was as safe as could be.”
Anyone with information about the theft should call 101 quoting 44170150957 while pictures of the stolen instruments have been posted at www.facebook.com/kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman