Home / Crime and Justice / Drunk Thief Returns Stolen Mandolins with Apology Note
Drunk Thief Returns Stolen Mandolins with Apology Note
2 Jan
Summary
- A thief returned two stolen mandolins to a New Jersey store.
- The mandolins were returned with a handwritten apology note from the thief.
- The stolen instruments were valued at $3,500 and $4,250.
In an unusual turn of events, a thief who stole two mandolins from a New Jersey vintage guitar store on December 22 has returned the instruments. The suspect, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the theft, brought the mandolins back to Lark Street Music in shopping bags days later, accompanied by a handwritten apology note. The note, penned in capital letters, read, "SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS. You are good man."
The store's owner, Buzzy Levine, expressed his astonishment at the thief's remorseful actions. Levine, who has owned the business since 1981, stated he felt as if he were in a "weird movie." The stolen mandolins were valued at $3,500 and $4,250 respectively. Surveillance footage had previously been shared to aid in identifying the suspect.
The Teaneck Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. As of January 2, 2026, no arrests have been made. The store owner credited public pressure and shared footage for potentially contributing to the thief's decision to return the stolen items.
