Old instrument that thief makes off with reportedly? (4)
I believe the answer is:
lute
'old instrument' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lute that I've seen before include "Old musical instrument" , "clay" , "Old stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body" , "Plucked instrument; a sealant" , "Ancient stringed instrument" .)