London Police Seek Assistance in $200,000 Violin Theft Investigation


British police are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in the theft of a 285-year-old violin, which was taken while a musician was at a pub.

On a cold February night, David López Ibáñez, a 31-year-old member of the London-based Philharmonia orchestra, went to a pub after a rehearsal. He placed his violin, made in 1740 by master craftsman Lorenzo Carcassi, beside him while he ate. Unbeknownst to him, a person seized the violin case, concealed it under a long beige coat, and exited the establishment.

Mr. López Ibáñez expressed disbelief upon realizing the instrument was missing, describing it as a companion he had played music on for eight years worldwide. The violin, valued at over 150,000 pounds (approximately $200,000), holds significant emotional and financial value for serious musicians.

More than four months later, the Metropolitan Police have appealed to the public for help in identifying the suspect. Officer Michael Collins emphasized the importance of the instrument, stating, "It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless." The police provided images from surveillance footage in their appeal.

Ian Byrne, manager of Stringers of London, noted that reselling such a rare violin would be challenging without proper documentation to prove its authenticity. He stated that the lack of provenance would hinder any attempts to realize its value.

The violin, owned by German businessman Sebastian Kutscha, features a distinctive heart-shaped hole in its scroll. Kutscha expressed frustration over the incident but stated he does not blame Mr. López Ibáñez, who he believes has been deeply affected by the theft.

Mr. López Ibáñez continues to cope with the loss, facing criticism from some who questioned why he brought a valuable instrument to a pub. He dismissed such remarks, asserting that the violin is used daily, which contributes to its character and sound.

In the aftermath, he has been searching online for the stolen instrument while playing a new violin, humorously referring to it as “a baby.” Nevertheless, he longs for his original violin, lamenting, “Obviously, I’d like it back.”





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