Owner needs instrument to pay stamp duty on home.

A WHITE Stripes fan could be left homeless after burglars stole his prized possession which was all set to pay the stamp duty on his new home.

The victim, who asked not to be identified, was mortified to discover his treasured two-dialled 1970s Fender Stratocaster guitar autographed by The White Stripes missing after thieves crept into his Hoxton studio.

The stunned victim had only recently taken the guitar, valued at �15,000, to the studio in Sara Lane Court, off Stanway Street, to build it a glass case.

Also missing was a 32in television, computer, projector and a number of drills.

The victim said: “I first got the guitar when I was doing some work for someone who lived on a barge and had loads of music memorabilia.

“When I was done I asked if I could have the guitar instead of the money and they agreed.

“It’s sad as the guitar only happened to be in my studio as I was building it a case to hang it on the wall.

“It has hit me really hard as I was in the process of selling my house and getting a new one and I was going to sell it and use the cash to pay the stamp duty.”

The thieves broke into the property sometime between 8pm on Sunday January 23 and 9.30am the following day.

Det Con Suzanne Raftery, of Hackney Police’s Burglary Unit, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this burglary. I am also appealing to members of the public to come forward if anybody has tried to sell them this rare autographed Jack White guitar.”

Anyone with information should call 020 7275 3253 quoting reference number CR4602131/11.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.