What if he wasnt the low-life that stole it? Maybe he bought it at a yard sale, or traded something for it. Just something to think about.
good point -
in this case this guy - low life - has always been trouble and was known for stealing, as in every city neighborhood with the few that did exist. He wasn't the type of guy you walked up to in asking about a wrongful deed, nor was his drunken father.
Its almost like you with the other good citizens are just waiting for an excuse to pledge the 'vendetta' A few days later, my neighbor and his group of friends said congrats and shook my hand. They asked why I didn't get physical and kinda down looked me because I had the chance to do so.