Key Takeaways
- A drunk thief stole two mandolins from a New Jersey vintage guitar store, Lark Street Music, on December 22.
- The thief returned the mandolins four days later, along with a handwritten note apologizing for the theft and wishing the store owner a Merry Christmas.
- The mandolins are worth $4,000 each, and the thief will likely face charges.
- The police are using the mandolins as evidence in the case, but no arrests have been made yet.
- The store owner, Buzzy Levine, is shocked and grateful that the instruments were returned.
Introduction to the Incident
The owner of Lark Street Music, a vintage guitar store in Teaneck, New Jersey, has spoken out after a surprising turn of events. A drunk thief who had stolen two mandolins from the store on December 22 returned the instruments four days later, along with a handwritten note apologizing for the theft. The note, which was partly in all caps, read, "SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS You are good man." This unexpected move has left the store owner, Buzzy Levine, shocked and grateful that the instruments were returned.
The Theft and Investigation
The theft occurred on December 22, when the alleged thief was caught on surveillance video stuffing the two mandolins beneath his parka and leaving the store. The store had posted the surveillance video online, asking for help in identifying the culprit. Levine also contacted the police, who are now using the returned mandolins as evidence in the case against the thief. Although no arrests have been made yet, the police have stated that the thief will likely face charges due to the value of the stolen instruments.
The Return of the Mandolins
Levine was shocked when he discovered that the mandolins had been returned. He had been checking the surveillance video and had asked his staff to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. On the morning of December 26, Levine noticed someone opening the door and leaving a shopping bag containing the two mandolins. Along with the instruments, the thief had left a note and a box of chocolates, which Levine found to be a surprising and unexpected gesture. Levine suspects that a friend or family member of the thief may have encouraged him to return the stolen instruments.
The Value of the Mandolins and Potential Charges
The two mandolins that were stolen are worth $4,000 each, making the total value of the stolen instruments $8,000. The police have stated that the thief will likely face charges due to the value of the stolen instruments. Although the thief has returned the mandolins, the police are still investigating the incident and are using the instruments as evidence in the case. Levine is grateful that the instruments were returned, but he is also aware that the thief’s actions could have had serious consequences for the store and its reputation.
Conclusion and Reflection
The return of the mandolins has brought a sense of closure to the incident, but it also raises questions about the motivations of the thief. It is unclear what prompted the thief to return the instruments, but it is possible that he may have experienced a change of heart or been encouraged to do so by someone else. Regardless of the motivations, the return of the mandolins is a welcome outcome for Levine and the store. The incident serves as a reminder that even in unexpected circumstances, people can surprising and positive actions.