My vacant house was broken into and trashed, I know who did it but can't prove it, what can I do?

Question

I have a vacant house, that I just finished completely renovating. This past weekend someone broke a brand new window to break in, had a party and trashed the place. I had an assumption of who it was, the previously owners delinquent kid, and did some of my own research. I found his facebook page, which was private. Through his friends pages I was about to find a link to an event posting...advertisting the party. It shows this little scum as the "creator" of the posting. He provides his phone number, and the address of my house. I've gone to the police with this information but am told this isnt enough to arrest him! Can't prove he was the one that posted it....or if someone else hacked into is account. The police said they will bring him in for questioning, to see if he'll confess...yeah like that is going to happen. What are the chances he even goes to the police station for questioning? What else can I do? What rights do I have?

Update:

This is the second time he's done it. the first was just after I purchased the house and hadn't luckily hadn't done any work yet. I called the mother and questioned her, by the time I arrived there the next morning it was cleaned up - before I could get the cops there. Clearly she panicked and went to clean it to protect her son that she raised oh so well. I let it go that time, but am not going to let it go again. Not with the amount of damage done.

Cecil n · Accepted Answer

Sorry for your problem, I can empathize.  There are many solutions, most illegal but extremely satisfying.  Legally, install security cameras and a monitored alarm system.  If the piece of trash vandal and his friends return, sue them and their parents in small claims or circuit court, depending on the amount of damage.  Good luck.

Educated · Answer

His FB is enough to arrest him. You should make a fake profile (use  a pic of a pretty girl online who looks about his age) then FRIEND HIM. And when you have access to his page print out anything useful. And print out the page of the party showing he is the creator. See if on his page he took pics of the "party" trashing your house.

Then go back to the police with the evidence. Or talk directly to the assistant district attorney. They are the ones who determine what cases to pursue or not.

? · Answer

A civil suit is probably your only recourse. A civil case doesn't require the same level of evidence as a criminal case. An attorney could probably tell you what your chances are of suing for enough to cover the damages done to your place. Or some places have a small claims court. Look into that. Usually a single judge makes those judgments. Good luck....

Anonymous · Answer

Best bet is to track down the guy's friends and ask them, if he was the originator of the party.  You'll have to do your own investigating.

dali333 · Answer

the police should be investigating this! you shouldnt have to prove anything to them...you have done most of the work by providing the information that you have already! be insistant!

Randy · Answer

If you can't prove it there is nothing you can do.  Report your suspicions to the police and that is about it.

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My vacant house was broken into and trashed, I know who did it but can't prove it, what can I do?

6 Answers