At a Glance
- Two high-value mandolins worth $8,000-$9,000 were stolen from Lark Street Music in Teaneck, New Jersey.
- The thief returned them with a handwritten apology note and chocolate.
- No arrests have been made yet.
- Why it matters: The incident shows how a quick act of restitution can calm a shop owner and avoid criminal charges.
Last week a shop owner in Teaneck, New Jersey, was stunned when a customer slipped two expensive mandolins into his coat and left the store. The thief was later caught on camera and, surprisingly, returned the instruments with a note.
The Heist
Surveillance footage showed the man grabbing a mandolin from the wall, stuffing it into a winter coat, and then repeating the action with a second instrument before exiting. The footage also captured him looking around before leaving the shop.
- Mandolin 1: slightly damaged
- Mandolin 2: intact
- Note: apology
The Return
The same cameras captured the man returning the mandolins quietly, leaving a handwritten note that read, “Sorry, I been drunk. Merry Christmas. You are good man,” and a bag of chocolate. Police say no arrests have been made.
| Mandolin | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slightly damaged | N/A |
| 2 | Intact | N/A |
Key Takeaways
- The thief stole two mandolins valued at $8,000-$9,000.
- He returned them with an apology note and chocolate.
- No arrests have been made, but police are monitoring the case.
The shop owner hopes the gesture will deter future thefts and bring closure to the incident.
