[justlurking]

There is a phrase that describes this sort of thing. Breaking and entry. Throw in vandalism for the stuff that got broken. In a just world people would be going to jail over this.

I was thinking the same thing. This is not a civil matter. It's a criminal matter.

Before I even talked to the bank, I would have filed burglary, trespass, and vandalism charges against the contractors that stole everything.

Then, I would have filed conspiracy charges against the highest ranking officer in the bank.

THEN, we would talk.

[ArmstedFragg]

Nope: Criminal matters require intent. It’s pure civil.

[Jack Black]

I would have filed burglary, trespass, and vandalism charges against the contractors that stole everything.

Doesn't the DA have to charge people for crimes like this. As a citizen I don't think there is anyway you can "file" against someone for burglary. The DA has to take up your cause.

It's not clear that a mistake is really the same thing as a burglery. The contractor was doing a job in good faith. I think intention matters in law.