A New Jersey man was arrested for allegedly stealing instruments from the popular rock band Heart and then selling at least one of the items in Atlantic City.
On May 30, 2025, police responded to the Hard Rock Atlantic City for a report of a guitar and mandolin theft from inside the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena. The instruments belonged to the band Heart who were playing a concert at the venue.
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WATCH HEREInvestigators obtained surveillance video of the theft, which occurred around 2 a.m. on May 30, and identified Garfield Bennett, 57, of Pleasantville, New Jersey, as the suspect.
Police say Bennett was captured on video walking through various parts of Atlantic City and trying to sell the stolen instruments.
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SIGN UP Bennett was officially charged with burglary and theft on June 4. Police found him on south Kentucky Avenue in Atlantic City and he was taken into custody. He was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Bennett has a long criminal record and was previously arrested in April 2025 for a prior burglary, according to officials.
Police said Bennett sold one of the instruments though they’re currently unsure where it was sold. They are urging anyone in possession of the stolen instrument to contact Atlantic City Police and give it back. They also warn that whoever is in possession of the stolen item will be arrested and charged for receiving stolen property if they don’t surrender it.
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"If you've got the guitars, bring them back. Turn them in. No questions asked," Atlantic City Director of Public Safety Sean Riggin said. "If we continue looking and we have to find them, there are absolutely going to be serious criminal charges."
Members of Heart, meanwhile, are offering a reward for the safe return of the instruments.
If you have any information on the theft, call the Atlantic City Police Department at 609-347-5766 or submit an anonymous text to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.
