Musician’s Priceless Bassoon Stolen on Lewes-Brighton Train
A musician left his valuable bassoon on a Lewes to Brighton train on 19 October – and it vanished before he could grab it back.
Passenger Snatches Instrument in Bold Theft
After realising he’d left the instrument behind, the musician rushed back to the platform, only to see the train pull away. Staff searched the train but the bassoon was nowhere to be found.
CCTV footage later revealed another passenger boarding the train and swiping the priceless bassoon.
Brighton Man Arrested After Bassoon Theft
The British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation, and on 7 December, a Brighton man was arrested over the theft. He was questioned and then released under investigation.
Officers raided two addresses, eventually finding the bassoon hidden in its case behind a tree.
Owner Overjoyed as Police Recover Priceless Instrument
“This instrument was extremely precious to the owner, and I’m proud that the team endeavoured to search throughout the night to find it,” said Police Sergeant Russ Stobbs. “This is a fantastic example of BTP going above and beyond to help passengers on the railway.”
The bassoon is now safely back with its relieved owner as police continue their enquiries.
