Incident Overview
A man accused of stealing two mandolins from a music shop in New Jersey returned the instruments, leaving behind a note that attributed his actions to being drunk.
On December 23, Lark Street Music in Teaneck, New Jersey, located approximately 18 miles north of New York City, shared surveillance footage on social media. The video showed the suspect, who spoke with a “Montenegrin accent,” browsing the store before taking two mandolins off the wall and concealing them in his jacket pockets.
On Friday, the music store reported that the man had returned and discreetly opened the front door to drop off the instruments in two shopping bags. Along with the mandolins was a note that read: “Sorry, I been drunk, Merry Christmas” and “You are good man.”
Buzzy Levine, the owner of Lark Street Music, expressed his thoughts on WABC-TV. He speculated that someone close to the man might have advised him to return the stolen items.
After witnessing the return of his merchandise, Mr. Levine attempted to chase after the alleged thief but was unable to catch him. He subsequently contacted local authorities.
According to Captain Christopher Kurschner of the Teaneck Police Department, no arrests have been made at this time.
The mandolins were valued at around $4,000 each. One instrument was reported damaged upon its return. Additionally, along with the instruments and note, a box of chocolates was left by the thief.
Mr. Levine shared his perspective with WNBC-TV: “I thought if I was in that position, that’s what I would probably do too—try to get out of a bad situation and make amends.”
