‘Unique’ concert ukulele engraved with Charles Dickens reference is stolen from car in Worthing

The instrument was taken from a dark grey Volkswagen Golf car parked in Pevensey Road, West Worthing, between 11.30pm on Saturday 30 November and 12.15pm on Sunday 1 December, police said.

The wooden, stringed instrument bears a distinctive engraving reading ‘Mrs Squeers 2017’ – a reference to the wife of the cruel schoolmaster Wackford Squeers in Charles Dickens’ famous novel, Nicholas Nickleby.

Sergeant Peter Allan, of the local prevention team, said: “In addition to asking for anyone who may have seen any suspicious people or activity in Pevensey Road between the relevant times to come forward, I’d also ask for anyone offered this instrument with its unusual marking to contact police without delay.”

Contact police online or call 101, quoting serial 583 of 01/12.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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