Appeal to locate suspect in high-value violin theft investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers investigating the theft of a high-value violin from a pub in Islington are appealing to the public to help trace the suspects.

The violin was allegedly stolen on the evening of Tuesday, 18 February from The Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street.

The 30-year-old victim reported the theft to the Met that evening.

PC Michael Collins, from the Met’s local policing team in Camden, said:

“We’ve been working hard to try and locate the suspect and are releasing this CCTV in an effort to help identify them as soon as possible.

“The victim, who is a member of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, has told us the piece is worth more than £150,000 and was made in Florence in 1740.

“It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless.

“Please help us find the person responsible and have the violin returned it to its rightful owner.”

If you recognise this person, or have any information which might help police with their investigation, please call 101 with the reference 01/7178074/25 or tweet the police via @MetCC.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.