Police are appealing for information after a rare 18th-century violin, valued at over £150,000, was stolen from a pub in north London.
The violin, crafted in Florence in 1740, belonged to a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra and was reportedly taken on the evening of 18 February from The Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street in Islington.
The 30-year-old owner contacted the Metropolitan Police that night to report the theft.
Describing the instrument as "incredibly precious," PC Michael Collins emphasized its deep personal value, saying the violin was "priceless" to the victim.
The Met has released CCTV images of a suspect, showing a man dressed in a beige trench coat and hat, along with a black outfit, in hopes the public can help identify him.
“We’ve been working hard to track down the suspect,” said PC Collins. “We urge anyone who recognises the man in the images or has any information to come forward so we can return the violin to its rightful owner.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Met Police on 101, quoting reference 01/7178074/25, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. Photo by Daderot, Wikimedia commons.