Peter Facer’s oboe stolen at St Pancras station in distraction theft

A professional oboist had his instrument stolen in a distraction theft outside St Pancras station on 14 June. Peter Facer, a member of Britten Sinfonia, reported the theft after a man asked him for directions while an accomplice took his belongings.

Facer was returning from his former oboe teacher’s retirement party when the incident occurred. He was carrying a coffee and two bags, one containing a rare oboe d’amore, the other clothes and a pair of AirPods. The thief approached him asking for directions to Euston station.

Police response criticised

After realising his bag was gone, Facer found two British Transport Police officers nearby. They told him the theft fell under Metropolitan Police jurisdiction because it happened just outside the station. Facer described their response as ‘infuriating’.

He said, ‘As soon as I told them that I was maybe two steps outside the station, they said, “oh, no, that’s not our responsibility.” I said, “It happened three minutes ago. They’re probably still in the station somewhere.” But I had to log the theft online with the Met Police.’

Instrument details and ongoing search

The stolen oboe is a three-year-old oboe d’amore made from cocobolo wood, with silver keys and the serial number 3849. It was last seen in a black fabric case, about 40cm long and 20cm wide, displaying the Howarth London logo.

Facer searched the station himself but found no trace of the instrument. He filed an online report with the Metropolitan Police, who confirmed they are investigating but do not comment on individual theft cases unless they involve violence or other serious offences.

British Transport Police told *The Standard* that the theft occurred on Metropolitan Police jurisdiction and directed all enquiries to them. The Met declined to comment on the case when approached.

Musicians’ instruments targeted

Facer said thefts of professional instruments are ‘annoyingly common’ among musicians. He cited a similar case in February last year, when a 285-year-old violin worth more than £150,000 was stolen from a pub in Islington.

The violin’s owner, David Lopez Ibanez of the Philharmonia Orchestra, described the theft as ‘a musician’s worst nightmare’. Facer said such losses are not just financial but psychologically damaging, as musicians form deep attachments to their instruments.

He added that stolen instruments are difficult to sell due to serial numbers and the tight-knit classical music community, which often spots suspicious listings. However, he said, ‘It’s not very easy for thieves to sell classical instruments, but that doesn’t stop them from trying.’

What happens next

The Metropolitan Police are investigating the theft, though no arrests have been reported. Facer has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising the instrument’s sentimental value beyond its monetary worth.

Residents near St Pancras or those who may have seen the oboe or its case are asked to contact the Metropolitan Police. The instrument’s serial number, 3849, may help identify it if it surfaces in pawn shops or online marketplaces.