DrDuck said:If a hire is returned late, it is a civil matter, but if the intention is to permanently deprive then it is larceny. The cops are being lazy in such a case, in my opinion.
I agree with you Doc.
When i spoke to Dean about it, he said the police initially did look into it only by visiting last known addresses and making some general inquiries etc.
Eventually they ended up telling him exactly what i pointed out above and they said....Even if we do catch up with the guy and he still has the goods in his possession, all he has to do is simply say he 'forgot' to return it and we cant prosecute!
Its a different story if you break into the shop at night such as the case in Canberra.
Caveat Venditor!