Stolen Mandolins Returned to Teaneck Music Shop with Apology Note
The burglar returned two mandolins stolen from a Teaneck music business with an unexpected apology. The incident, which received social media attention, showed how community interaction may solve local crimes.
Lark Street Music reported the instruments returned on December 26, days after the incident on December 22. Store surveillance shows a guy scrutinizing mandolins before putting them in his winter coat. Community members and music fans discussed the video after it went viral online.
The retailer said the thief returned the mandolins unexpectedly. The burglar softly unlocked the front entrance and put the instruments in two shopping bags before disappearing. The person fled when the store owner pursued him, prompting police intervention. Teaneck police took over the case, but the thief’s identity and charges were unknown at the time.
A note with the instruments apologized honestly. Sorry, I was drunk, Merry Christmas. Your good, man.” The message showed remorse and Christmas humor.
The store thanked people who posted the security footage, stating that public scrutiny likely motivated the burglar to return the instruments. The business owner thought the occurrence was like a TV thriller.
This instance shows social media’s growing role in local crime prevention and response. Residents helped law police recover stolen property by rapidly providing footage and information. While the inquiry continues, the mandolins’ recovery shows how public awareness and prompt reporting may make a difference.
Sources:
Lark Street Music Social Media Posts
Teaneck Police Department Statements
