Man Returns Stolen Mandolins with Apology Note

At a Glance

• A man stole two mandolins from Lark Street Music and later returned them with a handwritten note.
• The instruments are valued at $8,000-$9,000.
• Police have not yet made an arrest.
• Why it matters: The unusual return raises questions about local crime and community response.

A thief captured on store surveillance video took two mandolins from Lark Street Music in Teaneck, NJ, last week. He slipped the instruments into his winter coat and walked out, but later returned them with a note and chocolate. The incident has drawn attention from both the shop owner and local police.

The Theft and Return

Surveillance footage shows the thief grabbing a mandolin off the wall, stuffing it into his coat, then repeating the action with a second instrument. Bernard Levine, the shop owner, posted the video on Facebook and asked for help identifying the suspect. After a few days, the same cameras captured the man returning the instruments in a quiet moment.

Bernard Levine stated:

Bernard Levine added:

> “I started running after him, but by then it was too late, so I called the police.”

The returned mandolins were found in two shopping bags with the necks sticking out, and a handwritten note was left beside them.

• The note read: “Sorry, I been drunk. Merry Christmas. You are good man.”
• One mandolin had a slight damage.
• Chocolate was tucked in the bags.

Police Update

Police said the suspect was seen leaving the shop with the instruments, but they did not arrest anyone yet. The shop owner, Bernard Levine, reported the incident to law enforcement and is awaiting further action. No charges have been filed at this time.

Key Takeaways

• The thief returned the instruments with a note, showing remorse.
• Police have not made an arrest or filed charges.
• The incident highlights a rare case of a return after theft.

The case remains open, and authorities continue to investigate the identity of the suspect.