$100,000 violin stolen from home

CHICAGO, July 9 (UPI) -- Chicago police sought the thief Thursday who walked off with a musician's prized 18th century violin, officials said.

Lori Ashikawa said her Italian-made Gagliano violin, worth a reported $100,000, was taken from her home as she slept Tuesday, possibly with the use of a key hidden outside in a planter.

Also taken were the case, two bows and some accessories. An expert said one of the bows could bring $15,000, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Ashikawa told the Sun-Times she last saw the violin after practicing on it late Monday. When she went to get it early Tuesday from a room next to her bedroom, it was gone, she said.

Police reported no signs of forced entry, Ashikawa said.

Ashikawa's work includes playing with the Goodman and Steppenwolf theaters, Led Zeppelin and Elvis Costello.