How do I get back my stolen property from a pawn shop?

Question

Filed police report for $800.00 bracelet that was stolen from my home. I have reason to believe it was stolen by my ex husband, who has a history of doing this to support his drug habit. I am supposed to pick up police report tomorrow and go to local pawn shop where I believe my ex may have pawned it.

If my bracelet is there, do you think the pawn shop is obligated to return my bracelet, and if it was pawned by my ex, what legal action can be taken against him? I can positively identify the bracelet. My childrens names and birthdates are on back of 2 of the charms on charm bracelet.I put all of this info in the police report.

Answer 1

The pawn shop must produce a valid ID as to who pawned your bracelet. That person is then interviewed by police to see if the bracelet is theirs.

Answer 2

sounds like you're on the right path. sounds like your ex might get a free bus ride and all expense paid vacation at the Boys Club of America

Answer 3

Document document document.  The pawnshop HAS to return readily identifiable stolen items.  The fact that you have a police report and unique identifiers on the bracelet will give you an excellent chance at getting it back.  But remember, the pawn shop will try and get around it.  They will lose their money if they give you back your bracelet.  If the pawn shop refuses to cooperate, call the police (on their non-emergency number, please don't use 911) and show them the report and explain to them the identifiers.  The police may force the pawn shop to give you back the bracelet.  If you have any pictures of you wearing the bracelet, bring those too.  And for future reference, write down the serial numbers to EVERY piece of electronics you have in your house.   Make sure to include the make and model number, and a brief description too.  Then email this list to yourself, so you have a permanent record of it.  That way, if something were to get stolen, and you locate it again, you have VERIFIABLE proof it was yours.

Answer 4

Notify the police department that took the stolen property report. They will seize it and hold it until proper ownership is determined.

Answer 5

The police can place a hold on the property, but the Pawn shop retains ownership, even if it is proved stolen property the shop retains a property interest.  After the police confirm that it is indeed your stolen property then you need to come to a civil agreement with the pawn shop, usually it is to cover their actual costs.  In most cases your homeowners insurance should cover it.  If you cannot come to an agreement then it goes to an administrative hearing, usually at small claims court.