Musician’s joy at return of �6k clarinets

A MUSICIAN robbed of his clarinets, worth �6,000 has been reunited with them thanks to the work of police officers.

Classical musician William Stafford was on his way home from Stratford station on the night of December 29 just before 11pm.

He was approached by three men who took his personal belongings including two clarinets, each worth �3,000.

William, 25, who lives in Stratford, reported the incident to police and an investigation was launched by the borough’s robbery task force. They alerted cash converters, asking them to tell them if anyone tried to sell some clarinets to them.

The next day police were told that two men had tried to sell two high value clarinets. They acted immediately and arrested two males, a 21-year-old and a 16-year-old. The pair were bailed to return to an east London police station on January 18.

Detective Inspector Andy Furphy, Newham Robbery, said: “We were very pleased to be able to return the clarinets to their rightful owner. This was a great example of how we work with local businesses to combat crime together and I would like to thank the cash converters for their assistance.

“We take street robbery very seriously and are committed to continuing the battle against those who prey on innocent victims and steal their personal belongings.”

The police launched a new awareness campaign on January 10 to educate people about simple measures they can take to keep their valuables safe.

Following Christmas, many people are sporting high-value goods, such as smart phones, media players and gold jewellery which can make rich pickings for thieves.

Police are advising everyone to take basic measures to stop thieves targeting them, such as being careful where and when they have these personal items on show.