Laptop Computer Was Stolen and Police Will Do Nothing

**Jlaurae** · 10-07-2010, 01:27 AM

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

So my friend was living with her boyfriend and his roommates, and she recently moved out. However her MacBook went "missing." She then found out that one of the roommates took it. When confronted he says she owes him $400. But she never borrowed any money, was never on the lease and never agreed to pay rent; her boyfriend was responsible for his share of the rent. She has text messages saved stating all of this and called the cops to report it. All the police did was file a report and register the serial number as stolen and inform local pawnshops. She is very upset and doesn't know what else to do. Is there anything more she can do to get her MacBook back? I suggested small claims court, but it seems ridiculous that he has admitted to taking it and the cops won't do anything. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.

**LawResearcherMissy** · 10-07-2010, 02:59 AM

Your suggestion of small claims court was a good one.

Alternatively, she can contact the local prosecutor's office and see if s/he is willing to file charges, but it may be difficult if the police can't be bothered to help.

**aardvarc** · 10-07-2010, 07:24 AM

The police DID do SEVERAL things - (a) took the report opening the door for charges, (b) entered it as stolen opening the door for a recovery of the item, (c) notified pawnshops to make it harder for thief to profit or dispose of the item. These are the exact protocols for a theft of property case. It's not a homicide investigation. What ELSE do you expect them to do?

her MacBook went "missing." She then found out that one of the roommates took it.

Ok - but in a court of law, things like EVIDENCE are what count. She "found out" HOW, after the fact? Did someone SEE the computer get taken? Has someone SEEN the computer in question in the possession of the accused? Has the accused ADMITTED that they have the computer? Without some sort of evidence, nothing else is likely to happen from the investigative end. You know and I know that it's pretty good odds that the roommate snatched it, but judges don't issue warrants based on odds. ANYONE who might have had ANY sort of axe to grind could have taken it, and a warrant isn't going to issue from the court unless there can be an established reason to knock on that individual's door that goes BEYOND just the motive and circumstances of the roommate disagreement.

**cdwjava** · 10-07-2010, 10:02 AM

What did your friend expect the police to do? Arrest him, grill him underneath hot lights using rubber hoses, then toss him in prison?

The usual procedure is to write a report and then send it to the DA. Does she know that this has NOT been done?

If they spoke to him he may have denied taking it, he may say she gave it to him for money she owed him, who knows? If she wants to know why the police have not arrested him or sent the report to the DA asking for criminal charges, she needs to call and ask them.