The Long Island deli owner who gave a bandit $40 and a loaf of bread — and got a thank-you note and a $50 bill in return — wants cops to drop the case.

But Suffolk police say they’ll continue to investigate.

Mohammad Sohail, of Shirley, said yesterday he reluctantly gave cops the letter the crook sent him.

“I forgive him,” said Sohail, who briefly held the man at gunpoint. “I do not want police to arrest him.

“I’m not going to press charges. He sent me a Christmas gift.”