CCTV shows suspect fleeing Islington tavern with priceless 285-year-old instrument hidden under coat as police launch desperate hunt
A world-class violinist has been left devastated after a brazen thief stole his “priceless” 285-year-old instrument from a London pub – sparking a desperate police hunt.
David Lopez Ibañez, 30, a member of the prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra, watched his life “torn apart” when the £150,000 Lorenzo Carcassi violin vanished from The Marquess Tavern in Islington.
The Spanish musician had placed the historic instrument – made in Florence in 1740 – right beside him during a post-rehearsal dinner, but a cunning thief snatched it in seconds.
‘MY HEART WAS GOING TO EXPLODE’
In an emotional plea, Mr Lopez Ibañez revealed the devastating moment he realised his beloved violin had been stolen on February 18.
“My life was torn apart. Your heart feels like it’s going to explode,” the distraught musician told reporters.
The violinist, who has been with the Philharmonia Orchestra since 2013, had been enjoying dinner with a friend at the Canonbury Street pub following a rehearsal.
“I put it right next to me,” he explained of the violin case, which was sitting on the bench beside him.
CUNNING PUB SNATCH
The theft unfolded with shocking speed when the musician’s hat, which had been placed on top of the violin case, fell to the floor.
In the confusion, the thief appears to have seized his moment, grabbing the precious instrument while others were distracted.
A fellow pub-goer picked up the hat thinking it belonged to the suspected thief and chased after him – only later realising the violin must have been stuffed under the man’s coat.
CCTV images released by police show a man wearing a hat leaving the pub with what appears to be the instrument concealed beneath his clothing.
LORENZO CARCASSI MASTERPIECE
The stolen violin is no ordinary instrument – it’s a masterpiece crafted by renowned Italian luthier Lorenzo Carcassi in 1740.
The historic string instrument had been given to Mr Lopez Ibañez on a long-term loan, allowing him to perform with one of the world’s finest orchestras.
PC Michael Collins, from the Met’s local policing team in Camden, emphasised the instrument’s extraordinary value: “The piece is worth more than £150,000 and was made in Florence in 1740.
He added: “It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it’s priceless.”
DESPERATE POLICE APPEAL
Four months after the devastating theft, police have released CCTV images in a desperate bid to track down the suspect.
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,” PC Collins said.
The grainy images show a man in dark clothing and a hat leaving the pub, with the violin believed to be hidden under his coat.
Officers are urging anyone who recognises the suspect or has information about the stolen instrument to come forward immediately.
LIFETIME OF CARE DESTROYED
The theft has shattered a lifetime of careful dedication to the precious instrument, Mr Lopez Ibañez revealed.
“You get taught from a very early age to take such good care of it. Nothing prepares you for having it snatched away,” he said.
The violation of trust has left the accomplished musician struggling to comprehend how quickly his treasured violin disappeared.
For professional musicians, their instruments are not just tools but extensions of themselves, making the loss even more devastating.
PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA STAR
Mr Lopez Ibañez has been a valued member of London’s world-renowned Philharmonia Orchestra for over a decade.
The orchestra, one of the UK’s most prestigious, performs at major venues including the Royal Festival Hall and tours internationally.
The loss of such a significant instrument could impact not only the musician’s career but also upcoming performances with the orchestra.
Fellow musicians have rallied around their colleague, understanding the unique bond between a performer and their instrument.
MARQUESS TAVERN SCENE
The Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street, a popular spot in trendy Islington, became an unlikely crime scene on that February evening.
The traditional London pub, known for its relaxed atmosphere, was busy with after-work drinkers when the theft occurred.
Staff and patrons have been left shocked that such a brazen crime could happen in their local establishment.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of valuable items in public spaces, even when owners keep them close.
HUNT FOR STOLEN TREASURE
Police are exploring all avenues to recover the stolen violin, including checking with auction houses and music dealers.
The unique nature and value of the instrument make it difficult to sell through legitimate channels, giving hope it may be recovered.
International databases of stolen instruments have been alerted, as such valuable pieces often surface on the black market.
Experts warn that improper storage or handling could damage the delicate 285-year-old instrument irreparably.
PUBLIC URGED TO HELP
Met Police are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately on 101, quoting reference 01/7178074/25.
Alternatively, people can tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
PC Collins made a direct appeal: “Please help us find the person responsible and have the violin returned to its rightful owner.”
The distinctive nature of the instrument means someone may have been offered it for sale or seen it in suspicious circumstances.
CLASSICAL MUSIC WORLD RALLIES
The classical music community has been shaken by the theft, with musicians sharing appeals on social media.
Many understand the unique devastation of losing an instrument that becomes part of a musician’s identity over years of practice and performance.
The case highlights the vulnerability of musicians who must transport valuable instruments to rehearsals and performances.
As the search continues, Mr Lopez Ibañez waits desperately for news of his beloved violin’s whereabouts.
Have you seen this violin or recognise the suspect? Contact police on 101 quoting reference 01/7178074/25
