Two people have been charged after a "prized" and expensive violin stolen from an Auckland bus was found hidden in a linen cupboard.
An investigation was launched after the instrument was taken from a bus in New Lynn on August 1. At the time it was reported stolen, the violin was estimated to be worth almost $40,000.
The theft took "a huge toll" on the violin's owner because of its worth, Inspector Wayne Kitcher said.
“Staff had reviewed CCTV and, as a result, been making enquiries," Kitcher said.
Police raided a property in Rānui on Wednesday and found the violin concealed in the ceiling of a linen cupboard.
A 38-year-old man and 39-year-old woman were charged over the alleged theft.
The man was charged with theft and was due to reappear at the Auckland District Court on January 13 next year.
The woman was remanded in custody and will appear in the Auckland District Court on November 19, charged with receiving property.
“This was a stressful ordeal for the owner, and we are pleased to not only have recovered the violin, but to hold these people to account for their actions," Kitcher said.
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