A Winnipeg violinist is requesting public assistance in locating her stolen instrument.

21-year-old Betty Asseiro left her car parked in the Smith Street parkade on Saturday, April 27. On April 28, she returned to find her car window broken and her violin missing from the backseat.

The car was left in the parkade from 11:00 p.m. on April 27 until around 11:00 a.m. on April 28, Asseiro says.

"I've been playing [violin] for 14 years and the violin came to me under pretty special circumstances," said Asseiro, who is a first violinist with the Winnipeg Pop Orchestra.

"A violin, it really feels like a partnership when you're playing. It's hard to build that relationship with an instrument and it's really helped me a lot when I play."

Asseiro is asking for the safe return of her instrument. A cash reward is being offered and no questions will be asked upon its return.

Anyone with information is asked to call 204-963-7015.