Peekskill police are investigating the theft of a rare guitar stolen from a store.

The alleged thief walked into Division Steer Guitar took off with a rare 1971 Fender Jaguar guitar, in Candy Apple Red, worth $5,500.

It happened when the suspect walked into the story with an empty case. When the salesperson wasn't looking, the suspect put the guitar in the case and left.

It's one of the oldest tricks in the book -- Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx wrote about it in the bestselling book, “Dirt.” When he wanted a new guitar, he said he would go to a shop with an empty case and leave with one when shopkeepers weren't looking.

The sales team at the store says they are hurt because they created a welcoming environment for everyone. Yet they are confident the thief will be caught.

"I don't have hard feelings; I just want the instrument back. I want to put it in hands of someone who will appreciate it," said shopkeeper Paul Beladino.

The alleged suspect also tried to steal another guitar in Yonkers, according to store employees.