Thirty nine accordions with a value of £130,000 have been stolen from a family-run music shop.

Thames Valley Police have released CCTV images of a man wanted in connection with the break-in, which happened at The Piano And Accordion Shop in London Road, Sunningdale, Berkshire, between 4pm on August 7 and 9.40am the following day.

Bev Lovell, whose grandfather founded the company almost 90 years ago, told The Guardian that the thieves knew what they were doing’ as they ‘left all the cheaper accordions here’.

He said: ‘In this country, accordions aren’t recognised as a musical instrument in schools, but in mainland Europe, they are. The demand for these items will certainly be higher in those countries.’


The Piano And Accordion Shop specialises in selling and repairing accordions, with some worth as much as £12,500.



A list of the stolen items – which included a Cooperativa 508 Elite 120 Bass worth £9,995 – has been posted on the shop’s website, with the owners urging people to contact the shop if they are offered any of the accordions.

Investigating officer Andrew Corbett said: ‘I am appealing for the man pictured in these images, or anyone who knows him, to please contact Thames Valley Police immediately as we believe he might have vital information about the burglary.

‘We believe the man might have links to Port Talbot, so I would encourage communities in that area of South Wales to share our appeal and these pictures.

‘If you know this man or have any other information about this burglary, please call 101 and ask for Thames Valley Police quoting reference number 43160218225.’