Crime (including theft of expensive equipment) should be prosecuted. It does more harm to society and the perpetrator if you let it go. If people start to think

Crime (including theft of expensive equipment) should be prosecuted. It does more harm to society and the perpetrator if you let it go. If people start to think their are no consequences for stealing laptops, there will be more stolen, then more serious crime can follow. One thing this guy has going for him is that he did return the laptop to you. I think he deserves a little credit for that.