Congress Of A Crow Wants Trailer Back

A popular local band is asking for your help after their music trailer was stolen.  Congress of a Crow band members say they lost almost $20,000 worth of equipment.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports it is not just the expense they are out.  The equipment was an investment in the band's future.

Tulsa band Congress of a Crow started playing together about three years ago.  Since then, they've created a huge fan base stretching across the southern Midwest and they have big plans for the future.

"Being famous isn't really the goal. It's just like, you know, seeing what the world has to offer and sharing our talents with the people that enjoy music.  You know, like true music fans," said Danelle Phillips with Congress of a Crow.

But now, thanks to some brazen thieves, sharing their talents won't be easy.  Someone stole the band's music trailer from Phillips' driveway in midtown Tulsa.

"Amps, pedal boards, an entire drum kit, cymbals, cables, a bass amp, T-shirts, CDs, you know, everything that we carry around with us is just, it's gone," said  Danelle Phillips.

It's equipment each band member has worked hard to buy as investments in their future.

"Just constantly like raising money to like upgrade your gear, and then for someone to just take it like that, it's just not fair," said Danelle Phillips.

With a show Thursday night in Springfield, Missouri, the band is borrowing equipment and piecing together what they can.

While they're gone, they're hoping Tulsans will keep their eyes peeled.  They've posted photos of the trailer on their MySpace page, hoping someone will recognize the graffiti on its side or its other unique markings.

"Why are you that desperate that you would just come along and just anything on the street is just yours?  You know, the world just isn't that way," said Danelle Phillips.

Tulsa Police say trailer thefts are an ongoing problem.  They want people to know that if you buy the trailer or equipment and you know it's stolen, that's concealing stolen property and is a felony.

Anyone with information about the band's trailer is asked to call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.

And, if you have a trailer, there are ways to protect it from being stolen.  First of all, put a lock on the actual wheel so it can't go anywhere or just block it in with another vehicle.  Use locking bolts to secure the tag so it will take thieves longer to remove it.  And, mark a code somewhere on the trailers frame and keep photographs for police.