What will happen if you steal something that belongs to you?

Question

A while back, my stereo was stolen. A $1000 dvd screen, fairly rare, and a $500 system of 2 12" Memphis, 800 watt Lanzar amp and a high quality box

I was at a party when it was stolen, and a few guys were said to have hauled butt at the time it happened. One of these guys (dirt poor guy) has a dvd screen, and a couple nice speakers, according to word on the street.

I intend to find out if it is my system, since only one other person in town has a dvd screen. Well if its my system, I'm getting it back.

I filed a police report for the system, but I did not have a VIN number for the product, I left a fairly good description on the report, but no #'s.

Either I will get it back legally, through the cops, or I will steal it back myself. What will the cops do if I tell them the situation? They didn't do **** to help me find it the first time. What will they do if I get caught stealing it, (since its mine).

I worked very hard for that money to buy that sound system. Thanks again

Answer 1

Even if you can formally identify the stuff as yours, don't take the law in your hands, you'd be liable under the same laws as any criminal (trespass, B&E, that kind of stuff, maybe they'd leave grand theft out).

File a formal complaint with az detailed description of the stolen items, and ask for a search warrant at your suspects' home.

Better ask a competent attorney for the best procedure to follow at your specific location.

Answer 2

I understand this situation is frustrating for you, but I would advise you to proceed cautiously. Your life is not worth any material possession and people like you are describing probably don't have much of a respect for anything, perhaps your life included. And if you get caught stealing it, without proof that it is yours, you will most definetly be arrested. Try to avoid going to parties where people like that hang out, it isn't worth it.