$10,000 accordion reported missing from shopper’s car

A quick snatch-and-grab job over the weekend in one of the South Coast Plaza parking lots cost one musician a $10,000 accordion that was taken from the trunk of her car while she stepped away to speak with friends, police said.

Investigators have few clues to follow in the case, but pointed out that such a rare item will likely pop up if the thief attempts to unload it, police said.

The instrument’s owner, Gigi Rabe, had just opened the trunk of her car after pulling into the Plaza West shopping center in the 3300 block of Bear Street. She stepped away for a few moments to speak with friends who had pulled up nearby, police said.

When she turned around the accordion and its case, which resembled alligator skin, were gone, authorities said.

“We’re assuming that the person didn’t know what they were taking, very few people go to the mall to steal accordions,” said Lt. Clay Epperson.

Police wanted to remind holiday shoppers that items get stolen all the time during this time of year. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, police said.

— Kelly Strodl