Skip to content

Police charge two in theft of musical instruments

Detectives are appealing to the public to find a brown suitcase covered in stickers which has strong sentimental value to the complainant
20230328stolensuitcase
Police are appealing to the public to help them find this missing suitcase. Police photo

Detectives from the Niagara Regional Police Service have arrested two following their investigation of the theft of musical instruments and equipment from a Crystal Beach restaurant.

On March 25, the complainant had been performing at the restaurant.  As the complainant was loading their instruments and equipment, they were briefly left unguarded, and were stolen.  The value of the instruments is estimated at $9,000.

Over the course of the investigation detectives from Fort Erie were able to identify two suspects.  It was determined they were selling some of the stolen property on Kijiji from Welland, according to a news release.  Detectives from the Welland Street Crime Unit assisted by arranging a meeting to “buy” the stolen property.  On March 27, detectives arrested two suspects in possession of the stolen property as they arrived for the meeting with the officers.  Detectives were able to locate and recover more instruments and equipment at a residence in Welland. 

Jason Royce White, 36, of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:

  • Theft vver $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

Natasha Leigh Seguin, 32, of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with the Criminal Code offences of:

  • Theft over $5,000
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
  • Fail to comply probation

White and Sequin were both held for a video bail hearing that took place at the Welland Courthouse on March 28.

Detectives are appealing to the public for any information regarding one of the outstanding stolen items. Before being stolen during this incident a brown suitcase covered in stickers had travelled with the complainant and their band for decades.  It has strong sentimental value. It is believed the suspects left the suitcase in Maple Park in the area of Clare Avenue near Thorold Road, in Welland between March 25 and March 27.  A search of the park has not located the suitcase.

Anyone with information about the location of the suitcase or this investigation is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009339.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.