OM_D_KO,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
Typically a response reserved to tell a grieving individual, at say... a wake, but in your case I feel it is deserved as well.
First off, there are far too many circumstances going on in your story, with multiple outcomes to suggest what might actually occur, but here's my spin on what I would do (assuming the circumstances are as they appear in your next).....
Assuming that both your PS3 and someone's wallet was stolen at your party, there is a strong possibility that the two thefts are related. If not, than there still is a possibility of both individuals (one who took the PS3, the other who took the wallet) would know each other. I would most definitely go to the 7-11 and inquire to view their surveillance footage.
Keep in mind; stores like 7-11 are franchised and individually owned, so surveillance cameras vary by location. I've been to somewhere they have six cameras all recording to a DVR that keeps footage saved for 30 days (most excellent). Than again I've been to others where they have one camera, set to a time delayed 24hr style VCR. Assuming they save the tapes, or haven't recorded over the old footage......... it's anyone's luck at that point.
Once you file a police report, if you don't speaking to a plain clothes officer with the title (detective or investigator) the same day you file it, expect whatever officer they assign your case to...... to get it the next day. From there they will start the investigation. If you have "time sensitive" information, make sure you have that as you are filing it. Also, take your time when filing. Actually go to the police station, fill out a statement, hand over photo copies of all pertinent information, and be prepared to loose an hour of your life. It's the cases where people doesn't leave the safety of their living room, that you end up "shorting" yourself. Hopefully you remember everything, hopefully the dispatcher taking your call gets it all right, and hopefully the officer assigned to your case isn't irked by the fact there is no supporting documentation (might proactively work another case until you send the info or he/she can call you).
I wouldn't suggest playing cop yourself, unless you think whoever took your property did it as a joke, and would openly return it without batting an eye. Frankly, confronting other people who were willing to break the law at your expense, might also be the types that willing break your face over such "allegations"! Once you file a report you will be better off, that way you can simply email or call which ever officer is assigned to your case and give them these pieces of information.
Regarding the 48 hour rule of SCEA......well that is them. Since I've never had to report anything like this too them, I am unaware of their procedures. Though that 48 hour ruling sounds like an effect of the holiday weekend. I'm sure you will hear back, so stick with it! Calling doesn't hurt either.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me through this thread, as I will be more than happy to answer them.
- Detective C.
aka: MrBook
Good luck to all others out there that this has happened to. I hope you find yours!
