I learned a few years back that there indeed is no honor among thieves. My garage was vandalized and a couple thousand dollars worth of tools (I'm a contractor) were stolen. I became aware of the theft almost immediately after it happened.
Yes I did initially go through the "proper channels". I filed a police report. However, after speaking with the responding officers, I realized that the chances of receiving "justice", were slim to none.
Remembering that there was a group of teenagers playing hoops in across the alley from where the theft occurred, I sought them out and offered a $1,000 cash reward for the return of the tools and the name and address of the perp.
Within 3 hours all of the missing tools were back in my garage and I had the name and address of the perp. The person that returned them to me had actually broken into the perps garage to get them back. I did pay the reward. Not only to keep my word, but also to send a message to those that may have similar motives in the future. Long story short - no one (in my neighborhood) messes with my property anymore, as they realize I WILL do whatever it takes. I park an antique 24' 1954 Chris Craft boat in my back yard, uncovered, and don't worry about vandalism. I don't even feel it necessary to lock my doors anymore, as there's always someone (in my neighborhood) sitting on the front steps, watching.
My advice to you - get the word-out to the regulars that hang-out where the crime occurred. However, the only hope of prosecution is if the beaten man can identify the perps once they're identified (by the informant), as the informant won't risk testifying (for $10,000) as he/she will at least meet a similar fate to your handyman.
Dennis Plante Jordan
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