sympathy + Bike Thief = failure

So one of my major down falls would undoubtedly be my uncontrollable kindness. I saw the guy who stole my friends bike a few months ago, ride by on it yesterday around 11:30 AM. I without thinking, ran out the door in PJ's and chased him down bare footed and cold. After an interesting confrontation we both settled down and  exchanged info.
   He some how convinced me he found the bike in a dumpster at the start of winter and worked on it to make it ride able again. He said if it was stolen he would give it back but he needed proof it was "mine." He was on his way to work and going to be late so he said he'd call me later after work and we can talk.

I saw his license and all but turns out its all BS. He some how sly talked the slickest talker I know(me) into getting away with a bike we both know was stolen. Besides the fact that he was almost twice my size, fully clothed and I didn't actually have a phone to call the cops nor anyone around to do so for me, I am ashamed to say I let him get away...

I have had many bicycles stolen and vowed to "kicked the knees in" of the first bicycle thief I ran into and I let myself down, the bike owner, any one who has ever had a bike stolen and the bicycles of past. FAIL

lesson: No mercy for bike thieves!



Has any one let something stupid like this happen to them? Did I do the right thing?