Burglars Steal Several Harps From Nevada City Home

NEVADA CITY (CBS13) - A Nevada City woman is on a quest to bring back the music after thieves broke into her home and stole several harps.

Not only has harpist Lisa Stine been performing with some of the instruments that were taken for more than 20 years, she also used them in musical therapy classes for cancer patients.

"It's pretty violating to think that someone came in your house and stole personal items," said Stine.

Melodies from Stine's harp have been heard throughout Nevada County and beyond. But a burglary at her home has stopped the music.

"Your tools are your life and your love. It's connected to your heart," she said. "This is more than just an item worth money, this is really important to me."

Thieves plucked eight harps from Stine's home while she was out of town. She had been playing two of the harps, which are rare and valuable, for decades at places like local charity events and weddings.

"Nothing was broken. Nothing was messed up – it's very strange," she said. "These instruments are so beautiful, maybe they were just struck by that. Who knows?"

The thieves also took off with several of her smaller harps. One was used in a harp therapy support group for local cancer patients.

"It's changing lives. It's a wonderful program, and now they got about six of those," she said.

Stine isn't sure whether her harps were the reason the burglars broke in or if they decided to take them at the last minute.

"It's so personal -- someone's instrument," she said.

Stine knows most of what they took can never be replaced.

"Hopefully in the next 20 years I'll learn to love another harp the way I loved that one," she said.

Stine has placed posters all over the area and is offering a reward if her harps are found.

The burglars also took some of her Stine's jewelry.