Suspects wanted in smash-and-grab at guitar store

The search is on for two suspects who stole several guitars from a popular music store earlier this week.

Winter Haven police say it happened early Tuesday morning around 1:50 a.m. at Carlton’s Music on Avenue D.

Surveillance cameras were rolling as the men lurked around the covered parking area next to the store, and then again as they broke the business’ front door, entered the showroom and headed straight for the guitar section.

Investigators say they were inside for less than two minutes before they walked back out the way they came in, only this time with eight expensive guitars in hand: four Taylor guitars, three Fender guitars and one Ibanez guitar.

The cameras were still recording as they made their way back to the covered parking area, then left through an alleyway that leads to Avenue C.

Detectives are now looking to track them down.

They said both of the men were thin, wearing gloves, and had their heads covered and lights strapped on.

 One of them wore a camouflage shirt, light-colored shorts, dark shoes and gloves, and the other was wearing a light-colored shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and something covering his face.

Detectives ask anyone with information in the case to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and become eligible for a CASH reward of up to $3,000.