Police Seek Public's Help in Recovering Stolen £150,000 Violin from London Pub
Published 23 June 2025
Highlights
- An 18th-century Lorenzo Carcassi violin, valued at over £150,000, was stolen from The Marquess Tavern in Islington on February 18.
- The violin was on loan to Philharmonia Orchestra member David López Ibáñez from a German businessman.
- Metropolitan Police have released CCTV footage to help identify the suspect and recover the stolen instrument.
- The theft also included three bows, one with a mother of pearl tip, adding to the loss.
- The incident is reminiscent of a 2010 Stradivarius theft, highlighting the challenges in recovering stolen musical instruments.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Police Seek Public's Help in Recovering Stolen £150,000 Violin from London Pub
In a distressing incident for the classical music community, an 18th-century violin, valued at over £150,000, was stolen from The Marquess Tavern in Islington, north London. The theft occurred on the evening of February 18, and the Metropolitan Police are appealing for public assistance in recovering the prized instrument.
The violin, crafted by renowned Italian maker Lorenzo Carcassi in 1740, was on loan to David López Ibáñez, a member of London's Philharmonia Orchestra. Ibáñez, who was dining with a friend at the time, reported the theft to the police the same evening. The instrument had been generously loaned to him by a German businessman to support his musical career.
PC Michael Collins of the Met's Camden policing team emphasized the violin's irreplaceable value to Ibáñez, stating, "It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless." The police have released CCTV footage in an effort to identify the suspect and expedite the recovery of the stolen violin.
In addition to the violin, three bows were also taken, one of which features a mother of pearl tip, further compounding the loss. The incident has drawn parallels to the 2010 theft of a Stradivarius violin from Euston station, which was eventually recovered after a public appeal and extensive investigation.
Ibáñez expressed his devastation to the BBC, saying, "Your heart feels like it’s going to explode," underscoring the emotional toll of the loss. The Metropolitan Police urge anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference number 01/7178074/25, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
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Scenario Analysis
The theft of such a valuable and historic instrument poses significant challenges for law enforcement, given the niche market for rare violins. The release of CCTV footage is a crucial step in identifying the suspect, but the recovery of the violin may depend on public vigilance and international cooperation, as stolen instruments can easily cross borders.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of musicians who rely on borrowed instruments for their careers. It may prompt discussions within the music community about enhancing security measures for valuable instruments. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness in solving crimes involving rare and culturally significant items.
As the investigation continues, experts suggest that the violin's unique characteristics could aid in its identification, should it surface in the market. However, the emotional and professional impact on Ibáñez and the broader music community remains profound, underscoring the need for a swift resolution.
In a distressing incident for the classical music community, an 18th-century violin, valued at over £150,000, was stolen from The Marquess Tavern in Islington, north London. The theft occurred on the evening of February 18, and the Metropolitan Police are appealing for public assistance in recovering the prized instrument.
The violin, crafted by renowned Italian maker Lorenzo Carcassi in 1740, was on loan to David López Ibáñez, a member of London's Philharmonia Orchestra. Ibáñez, who was dining with a friend at the time, reported the theft to the police the same evening. The instrument had been generously loaned to him by a German businessman to support his musical career.
PC Michael Collins of the Met's Camden policing team emphasized the violin's irreplaceable value to Ibáñez, stating, "It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless." The police have released CCTV footage in an effort to identify the suspect and expedite the recovery of the stolen violin.
In addition to the violin, three bows were also taken, one of which features a mother of pearl tip, further compounding the loss. The incident has drawn parallels to the 2010 theft of a Stradivarius violin from Euston station, which was eventually recovered after a public appeal and extensive investigation.
Ibáñez expressed his devastation to the BBC, saying, "Your heart feels like it’s going to explode," underscoring the emotional toll of the loss. The Metropolitan Police urge anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference number 01/7178074/25, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
What this might mean
The theft of such a valuable and historic instrument poses significant challenges for law enforcement, given the niche market for rare violins. The release of CCTV footage is a crucial step in identifying the suspect, but the recovery of the violin may depend on public vigilance and international cooperation, as stolen instruments can easily cross borders.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of musicians who rely on borrowed instruments for their careers. It may prompt discussions within the music community about enhancing security measures for valuable instruments. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness in solving crimes involving rare and culturally significant items.
As the investigation continues, experts suggest that the violin's unique characteristics could aid in its identification, should it surface in the market. However, the emotional and professional impact on Ibáñez and the broader music community remains profound, underscoring the need for a swift resolution.
