MYNORTHWEST NEWS

‘Scumbags gonna scumbag’: Seattle business devastated by $100K instrument theft

Mar 3, 2025, 10:06 AM | Updated: 4:56 pm

A prominent Seattle instrument rental business has been devastated after thieves stole thousands of...

A prominent Seattle instrument rental business has been devastated after thieves stole thousands of dollars’ worth of instruments from their warehouse. (KIRO 7)

(KIRO 7)

A prominent Seattle instrument rental business has been devastated after thieves stole thousands of dollars’ worth of products from their warehouse.

The burglary happened on Feb. 25 at Studio Instrument Rentals in White Center. Thieves reportedly entered through the back door and took guitars and other equipment.

“Early Tuesday, thieves pried open our back door, stole 26 guitars, two bass amps, a keyboard, some percussion,” Warehouse manager David Delozier said.

The thieves then escaped in one of the warehouse’s trucks, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.

“Scumbags gonna scumbag,” Delozier said. “Thieves get something for nothing and they’re getting something for that nothing. So of course, it’s attractive. The resale market for guitars is great.”

The company truck was recovered; however, the stolen guitars were estimated to be worth about $100,000.

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Seattle instrument rental business hit hard by $100,000 burglary

Glenn Cannon, an employee at the company, told KOMO News that he was shocked by the brazen theft, noting that the thieves targeted the merchandise that was easiest to carry.

Cannon said that while smaller items have occasionally gone missing in the past, this incident is a major blow to his company.

In response to the break-in, the company is adding multiple locks, upgrading its security system, and installing motion cameras to prevent future burglaries. The business is insured, but it doesn’t help much now.

“We’re in the process of making claims. That’s all we can do. We’re just trying to get items replaced now because we still have to operate. We’re still a working business. That’s the crippling part about it,” Delozier said.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, but details about the suspects remain unclear. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

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‘Scumbags gonna scumbag’: Seattle business devastated by $100K instrument theft