A YOUNG woman has been arrested after instruments worth around £45,000 were allegedly nicked from a prestigious music and theatre school.

Police launched a probe after a spate of thefts from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland were reported during a three-month period.

After weeks of intelligence gathering, detectives based in Glasgow city centre arrested a 28-year-old woman.

The Evening Times understands she is a former employee of the Hill Street institution.

Police confirmed "a double figure quantity of high value musical instruments" worth an estimated £43,000 were allegedly stolen between July and September.

It is understood some of the musical instruments were shipped across the UK and Europe.

However, police have recovered items worth around £27,000 and plan to return the instruments to the Royal Conservatoire.

The woman was arrested last week and reported to the procurator fiscal.

Detective Sergeant Colin MacRitchie, who led the inquiry into the alleged thefts, confirmed a woman had been arrested.

He said: "I can confirm that a 28-year-old female has been arrested in connection with the theft.

"We are continuing to work with law enforcement agencies across the UK and Europe to recover the remainder of the property."

Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland, Area Commander for Glasgow city centre, said: "We are determined to tackle all types of acquisitive crime in the city centre and this remains one of our local priorities.

"I am pleased that we have managed to recover some of the property which can be returned to the Royal Conservatoire for the use of the students."