A high-value bassoon was snatched from a train travelling between Lewes and Brighton on 19 October, leaving its owner distraught.
Bassoon Nabbed on Busy Service
The musician accidentally left the precious instrument on board the train. By the time he spotted it missing and rushed back to the platform, the train had already pulled away. He alerted station staff, who searched the carriage but found no sign of the bassoon.
Passenger Pinched the Precious Instrument
After checking enquiries, it emerged another passenger who boarded later had taken the bassoon. The British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of a man on 7 December. He was questioned and then released under investigation.
Bassoon Recovered and Returned
Officers raided two homes and found the instrument hidden behind a tree, still safely in its case. The bassoon was returned to its overjoyed owner.
Sergeant Russ Stobbs said: “This instrument was extremely precious to the owner, and I’m proud that the team endeavoured to search throughout the night to find it. This is a fantastic example of BTP going above and beyond to help passengers on the railway and we’ll continue to make enquiries into this incident.”
