Repair Shop Won't Return My Property

[thruz]

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: Massachusetts

A watch repair shop has had 5 vintage watches of mine that need repair for the past 6 months. I have checked in with him every other week to see when some or all would be ready, and each time he said "soon".

One month ago I spoke to him and told him to finish whatever he had started, but that I wanted everything returned at the end of that week regardless of the condition. He agreed, but was not at his shop the entire day. He has been avoiding me since then - he won't answer the phone when I call, and has promissed to send the watches back to me when I have put him onm the psot by showing up at his store, although that has not happened. It is not easy for me to get there (i used to work near his shop).

I sent him a certified, registered letter telling him that I wanted the watches back in my possession by yesterday, or I would report them as stolen to the police. I have texted him several times telling him it is his last chance, but no reply (he does get the texts, since he has called me back a few times after I texted him).

Will the police consider the property as stolen? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[KeyWestDan]

I would go to the police and/or the da/sa and file a complaint.

If they will do anything is debatable. They might say it is a civil matter, but it is theft. It is your property and must be returned upon demand. Failure to return the items is the same as theft.

If that doesn't work, I would promptly sue.

Chances are if he just didn't or wasn't able to fix them, he would return them. I fear he has converted them. He has pawned them, sold them, or otherwise has used them for his own benefit.

I never would have taken them all in at once.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I doubt that the police will consider them stolen, as they are not. They may investigate to ensure that the watches are still in the repair shop's possession, or they may dismiss you with a statement to the effect of, "It's a civil matter." It's possible that they would facilitate a return of the watches, but I am skeptical that they'll offer that level of involvement.

What's the approximate total value of the watches?

Do you suspect that the owner has sold the watches?