this has worked every time in the past for me.
you knock the fuck out of the scumbag thief , then simply make a counter act against him, usualy scumbag drops charges, if not, it gets thrown out of court.
im back on the road .re-con unit dropped in ,new front bumper ? (fuckin AA crushed it and wouldn't pay up) welding to towing eye .
total cost -----£500 inc-vat thats mates rates for you look out twatsville im coming.
mind you? it got me out and about on the rd for a few days or so..