Manhunt for £150,000 violin thief: CCTV show moment 285-year-old instrument was taken from London Philharmonia Orchestra member in pub

Daily Mail​

7 hours ago

Police are hunting for the thief of a violin worth more than £150,000 after it was taken from a member of London 's Philharmonia Orchestra.
The high-value instrument was allegedly stolen from The Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street on the evening of February 18.
CCTV released by the Metropolitan Police appears to show a male suspect wearing a pale beanie hat and light brown coat walking into the pub on his phone.
He then removes his jacket to reveal black clothing underneath, and can be seen carrying a violin-sized black case as he exits the pub and strolls out onto the street.
The historic instrument, understood to be 285-years-old, was made in Florence in 1740.
Its owner David Lopez Ibanez, 30, considers the item 'priceless' and reported the theft to the Met the night it took place.
He said he was visiting the pub with a friend after a rehearsal when his instrument was taken from the bench he was sitting on.
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.'
The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra for the 21st century, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.
Located in London at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, the Philharmonia creates classic performances for a global audience, according to its website.
Days after the incident took place, owner Mr Ibanez said: 'You get taught from a very early age to take such good care of it. Nothing prepares you for having it snatched away.'
Three bows were also stolen, including one with a mother-of-pearl tip, as well as a white cotton bag for the instrument made by Mr Ibanez's grandmother.
Mr Ibañez said losing the precious instrument was like experiencing the death of an old friend, and fears that the thief may throw it away unaware of its emotional and monetary value
Describing the moment he realised his instrument had disappeared, Mr Ibanez said: 'My life was torn apart. Your heart feels like it's going to explode.'
The musician hadused it for the past eight years, but was forced to use a spare violin for a concert with the orchestra that week.
Mr Ibanez said losing the instrument was like experiencing the death of an old friend.
'It's lived 300 years prior to my hands touching it. It's got its own history,' he said. 'Each hour, each performance, each challenge, you get to know each other more and you express yourself through it.'
Anyone who recognises the person in the CCTV images or has any information has been urged o call 101 with the reference 01/7178074/25 or tweet the police via @MetCC.