BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- During the down economy we've heard of copper wire and jewelry being stolen, now add musical instruments to the list.

According to the Kern County Sheriff's Department, the number of instrument thefts are higher this year than in years past and in some cases the instruments have been specifically targeted, while in others taken along with other items.

"It doesn't seem like anymore than usual though, instruments are stolen all the time, out of homes, out of churches, cars," said Artie Niesen of Front Porch Music in Downtown Bakersfield.

Niesen has seen his fair share of people singing the blues over stolen guitars, but he hasn't seen an increase. The Sheriff's Department has though, with 42 so far this year. And while there isn't a specific brand or type being swiped, most have been brass instruments, specifically saxophones, and guitars.

And while you might not be able to prevent a break-in you can protect your self and your musical investment with the instrument's serial number.

"If it ends up in a pawn shop, its traceable," said Jose of Bakersfield's Best Pawn on Chester Avenue.

Pawn shops and places that buy or trade used items are required by state law to collect the seller's name, signature, thumb print and any identifiable information on the item and then hold it for 30 days while the info is entered into a statewide database where it can be matched to police reports.

"If you have any particular information about your item, particularly serial numbers, anything that's serialized, we have to comply with the law and write down the serial number, and we have to notify the cops, if its in my store, I'll be happy to give it back," Jose said.

So the key, says the sheriff's department, is to know your serial numbers which are easily found on most guitars.

"A lot of them are on a paper label that can be removed," Niesen said. "If the label is removed or the serial number is defaced we won't accept them."

If you don't know your serial number and item gets stolen the sheriff's department says to check with local pawn shops.

As for why instruments are being targeted, it appears just to resell them. So far the department has recovered some higher end items which were found on e-Bay and Craigslist.