MUSICAL instruments worth more than £50,000 have been stolen following a break-in at a Chelston-based company.

The premises of John Packer Ltd, which moved to Chelston nearly two years ago due to expansion, were burgled over the weekend and more than 30 high-quality saxophones stolen.

Annie Gardiner, one of three directors of the firm, said yesterday: “The unusual thing was that the instruments were taken without their cases. They were mainly for professional people and should always be kept in a case.

“Anyone offered a new saxophone should be very suspicious, especially without its case. We know, too, of similar burglaries that they often end up being taken out of the country. We wonder whether they are already abroad.”

Police were involved in forensic investigations at the company earlier this week.

John Packer moved to the Chelston Business Park in August, 2018, from two sites in Taunton. The expanding company, which specialises in brass and woodwind instruments, wanted to be housed under one roof.

In 2018 it was given the Queen’s award for Enterprise and International Trade.