Update on stolen stuff!!

To press charges or not will be a good question for MJ to decide when he has his stuff back and all the info to make that decision. A complex decision to be sure. One way or another, the punks should pay.

MJ, HOW DID THEY GET NABBED??

[stripminer]

I agree that it is MJ's decision wether or not to press charges.
If he does opt that route the police will take the information pertaining to the theft of his stuff. If they are good Officers they will then apply for a search warrant for the thieves homes. Hopefully they will find his stuff and probably the other people's stuff too.
There is no negotiating with terrorist's or thieves in my world. Again this is my opinion and my opinion only, I do not expect everyone to agree, I offer it as food for thought only.

- Tom

[bigshrimpin]

Tom - in your experience how often would you say that stolen good are recovered? 10%, 25%, or more.

I've had a quite a few things stolen (including a car) over the years and the ratio of stolen to recovered goods seems like it's about 1% to me.

[stripminer]

I give a return of stolen property about a 15% chance. I know it is low. A big reason for this is most thieves are junkies, they convert the items to cash or drugs almost immediately.
Another reason for this low number is simply that it is hard to find a suspect in a random theft. If you and I wanted to steal something of value all we would have to do is pick a target and carefully steal it. Now, if we want to start a crime wave we better be more careful, sooner or later the law will catch up to us.
In my professional opinion people as a whole should report crime to their local police or the perceived "random" theft that is actually part of a "crime wave" is never linked or investigated, allowing the criminal(s) to "work" uninhibited.
Imagine if MJ were to not press charges, he might get his gear back from the perpetrators through some type of arrangement. In turn those responsible can continue to fuel their drug habit or larcenous ways. Other people will suffer this decision.
The second scenario includes MJ reporting the crime. He, again, may recoup his losses. Those responsible will be identified to the local police, they in turn will most likely do search warrants for their homes and vehicles. The police may find evidence of other thefts. Other victims may get their gear back. The responsible parties will be prosecuted. The police will also then be "in tune" with those suspects for future incidents.
I really want MJ to do what HE feels is right. I am not on a soapbox. I mean only to inform. The opinions contained within this post reflect those of the author. Now I hope to hear about fishing, repairs and happy thoughts.

BTW MacoJoe, I just got the Garmin 172c chartplotter it is mint !!! I highly recommend it.

- Tom

MJ WROTE --

My GPS, Fish Finder, Wire Rod and Reel,and Fare gun have been recovered!
They also have the two 20 something kids that did it!!

I AM UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POLICE ARE ALREADY ON THIS CASE -- if not, then who are "they" ???

Still waiting to hear from Macojoe how the thieves got nabbed??

Stripminer, please stay with this discussion. Your professional opinions, knowledge and experience in these matters are invaluable to all of us. Are you a LEO in the same state as MJ (Massachusetts)?

[stripminer]

Sergeant ( former Detective ) in CT

Cool 8)

Right next door. Are the legal procedures for these matters basically the same in Mass. as in Conn.?

[stripminer]

I would think that the laws are similar. Are you on the South ( LIS ) or North shore ?

[reelapeelin]

I'd get word to the little darlins that if ALL my stuff wasn't back in 24hrs that I would press charges...even if you get it all back, still press charges...they aren't owed anything, certainly not honesty...

Still think you shoulda got that lotterty ticket...you reel LUCKY, MJ...

Stripminer - I am a trailerboater. I go where the fish are.
Usually south shore of LI - Atlantic Ocean.

Maybe someday we'll have a v20/21 tournament in Eastern Long Island Sound??