Creative entry was the burglar’s trademark. At Luz, the thief struck twice, lowering himself through a skylight like a character from Mission Impossible. At Amin, he came once through a tiny rectangular window in the kitchen and another time apparently used a crowbar to bend cast iron window guards. At Madiba, he entered from the roof through a high window. Turning off lights and obscuring some security cameras as he jumped down to the bar, he went straight for the key to the stockroom, emerging with a generous supply of Bacardi rum but none of the costlier liquors. According to security footage, after collecting $80 from the register, he poured himself some cranberry juice and left the glass on the bar.

It was the DNA on that glass of cranberry juice that lead authorities to local handyman Luis Concepcion, who was eventually charged with 3rd degree felony burglary.

The story only gets weirder. Apparently Mr. Concepcion had an integral part in the development of many of the restaurants in the area, offering his skills in painting, carpentry and plumbing to help get the small businesses up and going. Weird that a man so connected to the places would risk his name in the community to steal a few hundred dollars here and there. He is still awaiting trial and claims his innocence, saying ““Why would I steal $80 from Madiba when Mark would just give it to me if I asked?”

The Brooklyn Rail: A Tale of Two Fort Greenes