[quote name='gt4ever' timestamp='1428424776' post='2741160']
The plot thickens. My gut instinct was always the singer as the culprit. I phoned the studio to see if there was CCTV. I told the owner what happened. He said he saw the singer take a flight case directly to his car and put it in there and thought nothing of it. I said how did he know it was the singer, and he described him and said he got to the studio early and they were chatting before we arrived. I know that this said singer turned up with just a carrier bag with a drink and lyrics inside. So now I have a witness who has nothing to gain from lying. At least I know that my intial instincts were correct. So... what next. I filed everything with the local police. My last contact with the singer that me saying yesterday that I'll check if there is CCTV to see what happened. I now know that he was seen stealing the case so is my best bet to lie to him and say there is CCTV and it shows him putting it in his car and to give him an opportunity to return it to the studio or I'll press charges, or let the police deal with it. Do I call his bluff in the hope that he hasnt got rid of it yet? I just want my gear back! What do you reckon. I am so f***ing livid.
Rich
[/quote]
I'd call his bluff. But be cautious about it.
It worked for me once, when I bought a bass on this very forum from a newbie (I had a wanted ad). Bass did not arrive, excuses were made, rats were smelled... I checked his profile, noticed others had checked his profile who had also wanted ads... and bingo, he had "sold" them stuff too.
I decided to approach him directly, expecting him to be not that bright, and made him believe I knew where he lived, and that I was going to be in the area soon. I made him believe I had contacts in the police who helped me find him, and I made him believe that I'd let it go if he reimbursed every one of us (one guy had paid by Paypal gift, so he was not covered by Paypal protection)... and in the end we all got our cash back. He was remarkably dumb, he got very scared about the possibility of getting a police record if we went for him... I hope he learnt his lesson and never did it again.
Your singer... cannot be that bright either.
Approach with caution, offer him a way out... Make him realise he's been caught and he could just walk away, and you might just get all your stuff back.
Needless to say, have backup nearby, and film the bastard if he agrees to meet you to return your stuff.
Good luck!