Crime & Safety
Search on for Stolen Cello
Concordia University to address campus crime in upcoming community discussion.
River Forest and campus police are investigating the recent theft of a $20,000 cello from an unlocked locker in the basement of the school's Kretzman Music Building.
“This instrument is well put together, with excellent workmanship. It is a beautiful cello," said Anne Monson, a part-time assistant professor of music at the school.
The theft, reported on Jan. 23, is the latest in a that has hit campus since November. Authorities believe the cello incident took place sometime over the Jan. 21 weekend, when a Sunday recital was scheduled.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Details are murky about the theft, which also included a bow and case, but River Forest police noted that the building is unlocked for students who want to practice over the weekend. School officials say the building is open to the public, and musicians from the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest often drop by for practice.
The cello is 7/8th the size of the normal instrument and was made by Paul Hart, an award-winning maker of modern musical instruments for 45 years. His cellos, violins and violas are professional grade, Monson said, adding that they're used by some members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
OK, but who would want to steal one?
“It would not be an easy thing to pawn because of its size," said River Forest Police Deputy Chief Craig Rutz. "It’s not rare, it’s not a professional theft, it was just by someone had a use for it."
While there are no surveillance cameras in the building's basement, campus police are looking at tapes from surrounding areas, Rutz said. Local pawn shops and stores that sell musical instruments also are being contacted.
In the meantime, the cello's owner, a 20-year-old woman from Iowa, is tracking down the instrument’s serial number for inclusion in a national database run by the FBI.
In the wake of the theft, university officials add video surveillance to other parts of campus. Twenty-four hour security is the norm at Concordia, a spokesman said. They're also planning a campus awareness event later this month to talk about safety.
