At a Glance
- Two high-value mandolins were stolen and later returned to a New Jersey shop.
- The thief left a handwritten apology note and chocolate with the instruments.
- Police have not yet made an arrest.
- Why it matters: The incident shows an unusual act of restitution in a local theft case, raising questions about community responses to crime.
A man who stole two mandolins from Lark Street Music in Teaneck has returned the instruments to the shop, leaving a handwritten note and chocolate behind. The case, captured on surveillance, has attracted local attention and left police without an arrest.
The Theft
Surveillance footage shows the suspect grabbing a mandolin from the wall, stuffing it into his winter coat, and then taking a second instrument before exiting the store. The owner, Bernard Levine, posted the video online and asked the community to help identify the thief. The same cameras later recorded the suspect returning the instruments to the shop.
The Return
When Levine inspected the instruments, he found one slightly damaged and a handwritten note was left on the case: “Sorry, I been drunk. Merry Christmas. You are good man.” Levine said: “I thought if I was in that position, that’s what I would probably do too, try to get out of a bad situation. Try to make amends.” He also discovered chocolate tucked inside the bags.
| Item | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Mandolin 1 | $8,000-$9,000 | Slightly damaged |
| Mandolin 2 | $8,000-$9,000 | Intact |
Current Status
Police have reviewed the footage and are investigating the case, but no arrests have been made so far.
Key Takeaways
- Two mandolins worth up to $9,000 were stolen and later returned to the shop.
- The thief left a drunken apology note and chocolate, suggesting an attempt at restitution.
- Law enforcement has not yet identified or arrested the suspect.
The unusual return of the stolen instruments has sparked curiosity in the Teaneck community and left authorities still searching for the thief.
