So, the police are “looking for them”.
What are they going to do if they find them? Give them a lecture not to ever do it again?
Or, incovience the thieves a bit by taking them to the PD, taking their picture and telling them to show up for court in 6 months. To be then told by a judge “don’t do this again”
'Oh. OK Citizen, move along.'
“Let them touch those things for once.”