Someone stole my camera, and I found out who it is. How can I get it back without calling the cops?

So...you are afraid you will be jumped by having the police recover your stolen property, but you think there is a way to get it without having the police involved? It would seem like if getting jumped is a possibility, it's pretty much a possibility no matter what you do. The only difference is if the police are going to be coming after YOU when it's done or not.

You find out that this guy does have your camera...what are you going to do then? Break into his house (B&E / Home Invasion, felony) and take it back? Threaten him if he doesn't give it back (jumped, uttering threats, assault / battery)? Jump him and take it back (shot, assault / battery, etc)?

If you KNOW he has it, call the police and report that he has your stolen property. Bring the receipt and warranty information (with serial number) to show that the camera is yours. Take your camera back, and tell the police that you are concerned that he will come after you. Let him know that if you do get jumped, him and his buddies will be going to prison. And then watch your back for a while.

You have, by your own admission, a "feeling." This is not sufficient for any sort of investigation. Even a private eye would have a hard time finding this out, to be honest. If you want to protect yourself, look for ways to further insulate your home such that thermal imaging cannot be used. You can also create thermal curtains by using space heaters. Consider the Dyson Heat Fan, since it has a good range (although it's expensive and you'd want several to get a good effect).

Call the cops or buy a new camera and look after it a little better next time.

I would go to the cops if I thought I knew who stole my property. If you don't want to go to the cops, then you can try and approach the person, but that could get you hurt. You might just have to let it go if you're not willing to get the cops involved.

First, confront them about it. If they deny it is yours, which they likely will since it has that high of a value, then you must go to the police. Hopefully, you have evidence that it is your camera. Otherwise, as my dad would always say, you're up s**t creek without a paddle.

Confront the suspect and get it back.

If you don't want to call the cops, then just let it go.

id call in the a-team. mr t will pity the fu