David López Ibáñez’s 1740 Carcassi violin and bows were stolen from a pub in Canonbury, London on the evening of Tuesday 18 February 2025
London’s Metropolitan police have launched an appeal to help recover a 285-year-old violin that was stolen from a pub earlier this year.
David López Ibáñez, a violinist in the Philharmonia Orchestra, was dining at the Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street on the evening of 18 February. His violin, made in 1740 by Lorenzo Carcassi of Florence, was stolen, along with his three bows, contained in a black Riboni Unoeotto case.
He reported the theft that evening. The violin was loaned to him by a German businessman to help him perform at major concerts with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The Met police have now released CCTV images of the suspect and are appealing to the public to help trace the thief.
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.’
Anyone who recognises the person in the images or has any information with might help the police in their investigation can call 101 with the reference 01/7178074/25 or tweet the police via @MetCC.
CCTV images courtesy Metropolitan Police.
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