More Than $10,000 Worth Of Gear Stolen From Band’s Van Saturday Morning

Local musicians Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds reached out to us this weekend after thousands of dollars in instruments were stolen from their van, which was parked on Westminster between Beverley and Cortelyou from roughly 2-9am on Saturday, November 23. Neighbor and band guitarist Sasha Brown writes:

I’ve lived in Ditmas Park for 8 years and have always considered it a safe, quiet neighborhood. I’ve convinced many friends to move here. I love it here.

Early Saturday morning, our van was broken into and over $10,000 worth of instruments were stolen. (A second vehicle parked across from us was also broken into.) We had just played Irving Plaza in the city and we had another show in Maryland on Saturday.

I brought the van back to Ditmas for just 6 hours and parked on my very own block, no less. It is the second time in a month our vehicle was broken into (the first time, our in-dash navigation system was stolen).

I’m aware of the whole “don’t leave valuables in your vehicle” thing, but it was sadly wishful thinking on my part that we could park for 6 hours in my/our neighborhood. I always thought Ditmas was “safe” relative to where the other band members lived. We won’t be parking on the street any longer.

Sasha says the 70th Precinct is looking into the theft, but that the band is doing everything they can to recover their gear, including a saxophone, three guitars, stands, and cases, and “the more eyes we can have looking out for them, the better our chances are.”

If you have any information about the crime, or see the instruments for sale anywhere, please contact the 70th Precinct’s Detective Zambito re: Complaint 9218 at 718-851-5537.

You can also reach out to Sasha (sashabrowntown@gmail.com, 646-867-3272) or bassist Josh Myers (thundrous@gmail.com, 617-529-4936).