Police are seeking help to locate a stolen 285-year-old violin worth more than £150,000, taken from the Marquess Tavern in London on February 18. The violin, made in 1740 by Lorenzo Carcassi, was loaned to Philharmonia Orchestra member David Lopez Ibanez, who reported its theft. Detectives have been investigating since the theft and released CCTV footage to identify the suspect. Ibanez described the emotional impact of losing the violin, stating it felt 'priceless' to him. The incident mirrors a past notable instrument theft, raising concerns about the frequency of such crimes.
Ibanez told the BBC that his life was torn apart after realizing it was gone. He added: 'Your heart feels like it's going to explode.'
PC Michael Collins, from the Met's local policing team, emphasized the violin's significance: 'It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it's priceless.'
The missing violin reflects a worrying trend in musical instrument theft, comparable to the notorious 2010 Stradivarius theft from Euston station.
Detectives have been working diligently since February to recover the stolen violin, valued at over £150,000 and crafted by Lorenzo Carcassi in 1740.
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