Q: Friend stole my motorcycle, have video evidence, what to do?
A friend of mine, whom I trusted, stole my motorcycle while I was sleeping. I have video evidence of the incident. I have not yet reported it to the police. What steps should I take to recover my motorcycle and address this legally?
A: You need to notify law enforcement as soon as possible, give the investigating officers the videotape, and file a police report. It is likely your friend will claim to have had your permission to use your motorcycle. So be very clear and very consistent with police that you never gave your friend your permission to use your motorcycle. Delay in reporting the crime to police and ambiguity over whether you consented to your friend using your motorcycle could kill a theft case.
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