How do I get my stuff back from a friend?

Be bold and come out with your request. Even if they’ve had it a long time, just assume they have intended to return it, and say, “I’d like to get my copy of X-Men back when we meet next.” With that direct approach, embarrassment or common courtesy will likely cause them to return your item. Ask a question about it.

Can you sue someone for throwing away your belongings?

Short answer: Yes, you possibly can, but it will depend highly on the circumstances, and whether it was negligent or intentional. It may also depend on the value of said belongings: you may lose more in paying for your claim than you stand to gain.

Should I ask for my stuff back?

You can absolutely ask and expect to get “your” items back as long as you are prepared to return “theirs”. Items that are “ours” are much trickier – jointly purchased/used items can cause a lot of drama – so it’s best to not let your emotions override your practicality.

Is it a crime if someone refuses to return your belongings?

If you gave this person your belongings without any agreement to return them then it would be considered a “gift” and you would have no basis to report a theft or to get them back. If you gave your belongings to her under an agreement to return them, and she is refusing to return them, then that’s a civil matter and not a crime.

Can I get my belongings back from someone I gave them?

If someone is not willing to give you “back” your belongings then that suggests you gave it to them in the first place. That’s not “theft.” If you gave this person your belongings without any agreement to return them then it would be considered a “gift” and you would have no basis to report a theft or to get them back.

What to do if a friend has stolen from you?

As John Mixon says, she may have been (note the past tense) a friend, but now she has stolen from you, at best she is an acquaintance that cannot be fully trusted. If you can prove theft, and that is quite a high standard of evidence/proof; and the items in total are valuable, and she will not give them back, then you have to report it as theft.

What can I do if my ex-girlfriend refuses to return my belongings?

If you gave your belongings to her under an agreement to return them, and she is refusing to return them, then that’s a civil matter and not a crime. In that case you would file a claim against her in your local small claims court in order to legally get your belongings back.