From the Houston news KPRC Local 2, contributed by Keith Garvin, Anchor/Reporter:

Jose Martinez continues to jam with his Norteno band Grupo Arriero — but one important piece is missing. His primary accordion is in the hands of a thief who stole it outside a home in the city of South Houston early Sunday morning after the band had wrapped up an engagement late Saturday night.

The thief stole the accordion from Martinez’ SUV, and Jose believes he was trying to steal the other one as well. The search for the instrument has gone viral after Martinez posted the incident on his Facebook page. There have been hundreds of shares and friends asking friends to keep an eye out at pawn shops and on the streets.

“It feels good to know that many people appreciate you and are willing to help you out even if they don’t know me,” Martinez says, “people I’ve never met before sending me personal messages.”
The accordion is valued at about $4,000 — quite a bit of money, but Martinez places even more value on the instrument.

He’s played the accordion for more than half his life. It’s how he takes care of his wife and three daughters and he wants it back to continue his career with his band.

“It provides for me and my family and it has been for the past 15 years,” says Martinez. “I started playing when I was 14 and it’s been a part of my life for a very long time.”

Anyone with information about the Stolen Accordion is asked to contact police with the city of South Houston.