Rare high-end, Italian-made violin stolen

Published on August 10, 2023 by David Wylie

Someone playing a stolen violinPhoto: Contributed/RCMP
This rare Italian-made violin was stolen after a performance in Kelowna.

Kelowna RCMP are searching the Central Okanagan for a valuable violin that was stolen after a performance by the victim.

The highly-valuable instrument dates back to to the 1840s.

“This violin holds not only significant monetary value but also immense sentimental value. Our aim is to reunite it with its rightful owner,” says Kelowna RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera.

The violin features a distinctive one-piece back and is accompanied by three bows—two black and one red. It’s equipped with a microphone pickup jack and a single gold fine tuner. It’s housed within a silver BAM case crafted from carbon fibre, and the case is recognizable by its backpack straps and adorned with stickers from various countries the owner has visited.

The theft happened Aug. 3 in the lane behind the 700 Block of Wilson Ave. in Kelowna.

Unfortunately, no surveillance footage is available from the location, say police.

The theft victim tried for several days to retrace their steps trying to recover the violin.

Here are more photos showing what the violin and case look like:

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of the violin or witnessed any suspicious activity, contact the Kelowna RCMP at (250) 762-3300 and refer to file number 2023-46714.

Anonymous tips can be reported to Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.net.