A one-night stop off in Old Bar proved costly for musicians Carla Thackrah and Romano Crivici.
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The couple was heading back to Sydney from Byron Bay on Saturday, September 14 and decided to stay at the Boogie Woogie Beach House.
"We had planned to stay at the Crescent Motel in Taree but they were full for the night so we went to Old Bar," Romano explained.
After they arrived at the hotel, Carla took some of their bags inside before Romano proceeded to lock the car.
"I heard the click of the lock and went in," he said.
The next morning, they discovered the car was unlocked and Carla's computer bag and suitcase missing.
"Our car door lock either double clicked or something else happened," Romano said.
Inside the suitcase was Carla's beloved Muramatsu flute.
Carla has played the instrument most of her professional life and was understandably distraught to find it missing.
"She's shattered and doesn't want to get another flute," Romano conceded.
"She's using a student flute at the moment."
Romano said the suitcase is a "bright and distinctive" colour, which would be easily identified.
The computer bag contained source material Carla was using to complete a PhD. This included film, recordings and soundtracks.
"Carla will see what she can put together with what's left," Romano said.
Romano said police who have helped with the incident have been "incredibly helpful and supportive".
Anyone with information is urged to contact Taree Police Station on 65520399.
The couple is grateful for the help of the local community. If the flute is recovered, they've promised a unique reward.
"If we manage to get the flute back, we will come and give a concert to Taree... 'The Magic Flute, Returned'," Romano exclaimed.
Romano is a former Sydney Symphony Orchestra player and played with a string quartet in Taree several years ago.
Carla is an award winning film maker, screen composer and flutist and a former principal flute with the Opera Australia Orchestra.
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