Musician buys sandwich - loses £1.2 million violin

A classical musician had her 300-year-old £1.2 million Stradivarius violin stolen when she stopped at a London sandwich store.

It's understood Korean violinist Min-Jin Kym was grabbing a bite to eat at a Pret A Manger cafe outside Euston station when her prized instrument was pinched.

Police say it was only as she tucked into her food that the 32-year-old musician noticed her black, rectangular violin case had been taken.

Given it contained a 1696 Antonio Stradivarius violin worth £1.2m and a Peccatte bow valued at £62,000 -- it made her sandwich one of the most expensive ever.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said the violin has a number of additional and unique identifying marks, including visible repair marks underneath the instrument’s bridge.

DI Rose added: "These items hold enormous sentimental and professional value for the victim, but although they are extremely valuable, it would be very difficult to sell them on as they are so rare and distinctive that they will be easily recognised as stolen property.

"It’s possible the instrument will be offered for sale within the antique or musical trade and we ask anyone who has any knowledge of the violin’s whereabouts to come forward so it can be returned to its rightful owner.

A £15,000 reward has also been issued by Lark Insurance Broking Group and certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, representing the victim of the theft, for anyone providing information leading to the violin’s recovery.

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