Thieves pluck rare harp worth £27,000

A musician is appealing for the return of a rare £27,000 harp stolen from her front garden.

The 39-year-old woman from Sydenham, who has not been named, had put the instrument there while moving items from her car to her house.

She said: "I am absolutely devastated by the theft of my harp, I cannot work without it. If somebody took my instrument on impulse and doesn't know what to do with it, I would beg them to return it.

"I just want my harp back." The pale wood harp is made by Obermayer and bears the serial number 319. It has a carved and gilt-edged column. It was inside a brown canvas cover which had two zips on the front, and was on a trolley which was also taken.

The theft happened last Thursday at about 10.30pm. Pc Stephen Cooper of Lewisham police said: "This instrument would be recognised by musicians. It would be virtually impossible to sell legitimately."

Anyone with information can ring police on 020 8284 5085 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.