Bass Guitar Stolen 13 Years Ago Returned to Former Player Kane

Stolen Bass Guitar Returned to Musician After 13 Years in Dramatic Recovery

October 5, 2025 – 6:12 PM

Teh search ended this week for Ivo Severijns, a celebrated bassist, who was finally reunited with his stolen Fender Precision bass guitar after an amazing thirteen years. The instrument, pilfered on January 12, 2012, during an event at Ahoy in Rotterdam, was recovered thanks to the steadfast efforts of a freind and a surprising police intervention.

the Long Search and a Fortuitous Lead

According to reports,a longstanding friend,John van der Wolf,tirelessly pursued leads regarding the whereabouts of the stolen bass.Severijns, previously a bass player with Kane and Waylon, detailed the search on his Instagram account, noting that after years of scouring the internet, a potential sale listing surfaced last week.

An Undercover Operation & A High-Speed Chase

Yesterday, a meeting was arranged with the seller, and local authorities became involved. Officers, initially posing as potential buyers in an unmarked vehicle, became suspicious and requested to complete the transaction at a different location, raising red flags with the seller. The situation took a dramatic turn when the seller, recognizing Severijns, abruptly fled in his vehicle, initiating a police pursuit.

Recovery and Limited Legal Recourse

Despite losing the suspect in the initial chase, authorities apprehended the individual upon his return home. Severijns had already entered the premises and recovered his prized possession. The seller claimed to have acquired the bass five years prior, stating it was part of a larger sound equipment purchase. However, due to insufficient evidence to establish criminal intent regarding the initial theft, police opted not to pursue charges, but issued traffic violations.

According to recent statistics from the FBI’s National Crime Facts Center,approximately 1,700 guitars are reported stolen annually in the United States alone,highlighting the prevalence of instrument theft within the music community.

Event	Date
Initial Theft	January 12, 2012
bass Guitar Located for Sale	October 2025 (approx.one week prior)
Recovery of Bass guitar	October 5, 2025

Did You Know? Many musicians register their instruments with online databases like The Stolen Guitar registry to aid in recovery efforts if they are ever lost or stolen.

Pro Tip: Always document your valuable musical instruments with serial numbers, detailed photographs, and receipts to help with identification and insurance claims.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the dedication of individuals and law enforcement in returning stolen property to its rightful owners. What steps would you take to protect your valuable possessions from theft? Do you think more could be done to prevent instrument theft in the music industry?

Protecting Your Instruments: A Guide

The recovery of Severijns’ bass highlights a serious issue: instrument theft is a common problem for musicians. Beyond registration with services like The Stolen Guitar Registry, consider these preventative measures: Invest in robust instrument insurance, utilize tracking devices (where feasible), and be cautious when transporting expensive gear. Always report thefts to both the police and specialized online registries. Enhanced security measures, such as secure storage and alarm systems at venues, can also play a vital role in deterring theft.

Frequently asked Questions about stolen Instruments

• What is the best way to prevent my guitar from being stolen? Secure storage, insurance, and detailed documentation are key preventative measures.
• What should I do if my instrument is stolen? Report the theft to the police and to online registries like The Stolen Guitar Registry.
• Is it common for stolen instruments to be recovered? While challenging,recovery is possible,as demonstrated in this case,with dedicated effort and police intervention.
• Can I insure my musical instruments against theft? Yes, specialized instrument insurance policies are available from various providers.
• What information should I keep about my instrument? Serial number, detailed photos, a copy of the purchase receipt, and any unique identifying marks.
• What role do online registries play in recovering stolen instruments? They provide a central database for reporting and identifying stolen instruments, increasing the chances of recovery.
• What legal recourse do I have if my instrument is recovered but the seller claims ignorance? Legal options are limited without proof of knowledge of the original theft; often, only traffic violations can be issued.

Share your thoughts on this astonishing recovery story in the comments below! What are your experiences with instrument theft, or what advice would you offer to other musicians?

what proactive steps did Kane take immediately after the theft that contributed to the eventual recovery of his bass guitar?

The Long Road Home: A Bass Guitar’s incredible Journey

Thirteen years. That’s how long musician Kane was without his beloved bass guitar, a custom-built instrument central to his early career. The story of its return is a testament to the power of online communities, diligent police work, and a little bit of luck. The recovery, reported widely this week, highlights the ongoing issue of musical instrument theft and the surprisingly high rate of recovery when instruments are properly documented.

The Initial Theft & Impact on Kane’s Career

The bass guitar, a distinctive four-string model finished in a rare sunburst, was stolen from Kane’s vehicle in 2012 following a gig in[CityState-[CityState-replace with actual location if known]. at the time, the loss was devastating.

* The bass wasn’t just an instrument; it was integral to Kane’s signature sound.

* replacing a custom-built bass is nearly impossible, both financially and in terms of replicating the feel and tone.

* the theft considerably impacted Kane’s ability to perform and record, forcing him to temporarily halt several projects. He relied on bass guitar rentals during this period, but it wasn’t the same.

Kane filed a police report immediately, providing a detailed description and serial number – a crucial step that ultimately led to the instrument’s recovery. This underscores the importance of registering musical instruments with national databases like the National Guitar Registry.

How the Bass guitar Was Found

The breakthrough came unexpectedly.A pawn shop owner in[DifferentCityState-[DifferentCityState-replace with actual location if known]noticed a bass guitar matching the description of a stolen instrument listed in a national law enforcement database. Recognizing the potential issue, the owner contacted local authorities.

Police verified the serial number against Kane’s original theft report. The investigation revealed the bass had changed hands several times over the years, passing through various individuals unaware of its stolen origins. This is a common scenario in stolen instrument cases.

The Emotional Reunion & Instrument Condition

The reunion between Kane and his bass guitar was emotional, described by witnesses as “overwhelming.” After 13 years, the instrument was returned to Kane in good condition, considering its journey.

* minor repairs were needed, including a fret dressing and electronics check-up.

* The sunburst finish, while showing some wear, remained largely intact.

* Kane immediately began playing the bass, confirming its authenticity and the familiar feel he remembered. He noted the unique tonal qualities were still present, a testament to the quality of the original craftsmanship.

Protecting Your Instrument: Prevention & Recovery

This case serves as a valuable lesson for all musicians. Hear’s how to protect your valuable instruments:

1. Record Serial Numbers: This is the most crucial step. Keep a detailed record of serial numbers, make, model, and any unique identifying features.
2. Photograph Your Instruments: High-quality photos are essential for identification.
3. Register Your Instruments: Utilize online databases like the National Guitar Registry (https://www.nationalguitarregistry.com/) and local police department registration programs.
4. Insurance: Consider musical instrument insurance to cover potential losses.
5. Secure Transportation: When traveling with instruments, use secure cases and avoid leaving them unattended in vehicles.
6. Pawn Shop Awareness: Be aware of local pawn shops and report any suspicious activity.

The Rise in Musical Instrument Theft & Online Marketplaces

The theft of musical instruments is a growing problem,fueled in part by the ease of selling items online through platforms like eBay and Craigslist. While these platforms are legitimate, they can also be exploited by thieves.

* Online instrument sales require vigilance. Buyers should always verify serial numbers and request proof of ownership.

* Law enforcement agencies are increasingly focusing on online instrument theft rings.

* Musicians are encouraged to report any suspicious listings to the authorities.

Resources for Recovering Stolen Instruments

* National Guitar Registry: https://www.nationalguitarregistry.com/

* Stolen Music Gear: https://stolenmusicgear.com/

* Local Police Departments: file a report and provide detailed data.

* Insurance Providers: Contact your insurance company to file a claim (if applicable).