It seems just about every month we have to pen a news story about another Aussie touring act that’s had their van or car broken into and gear stolen. And it seems to happen across the pond as often as it does at home.

Just recently, Melbourne musician Pikelet had her car broken into, throwing an upcoming tour into jeopardy after thieves made off with pretty much all of her equipment. Meanwhile, King Parrot had the funds from a US tour nicked from their van last year.

But musicians in the Texas town of Houston can rest a little easier now that police have arrested an incredible 130 people connected to a ring that routinely stole music gear from vans and trailers in town.

As Rock Feed reports, following an “extensive” undercover investigation Houston PD caught a theft ring who targeted “big ticket items” and frequented areas where they could quickly make off with large quantities of goods, such as music venues.

In a particularly lucrative score for the crime, a local business lost their entire inventory of motorcycles overnight. Despite the massive arrest count, authorities said more arrests are likely to occur in the coming weeks.

“These thieves were stealing anything and everything they could put their hands on. They went after trailers they saw parked on the streets of Greater Houston,” Lt. Mike Osina of the Houston Police Department said.

“And to date the amount of property recovered is estimated to be upwards of $2 million dollars. In the course of this past year, this collaborative effort, through cooperation and communication… has led to the dismantling of this criminal enterprise,” added Houston PD’s Captain Edwards.

Earlier this year, Knoxville, Tennessee band The Black Lillies had their van and trailer stolen during a Houston performance, leaving the band stranded. Authorities found the van several days later but all of the gear was gone and the trailer was not recovered.

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