You work for a finance company that reposseses a car that was in default of the agreement this morning The customer then came and stole the car back you called the police but told that it was civil?

Yes, it is a civil matter.

Who owns the car is a matter of the contract between the purchaser and your finance company.

The whole concept of "repossessing" is shaky, as in theory, they should civilly sue the purchaser for breach of contract. However, by taking the car by stealth or bluff, they put the burden on the purchaser to sue them for breach of contract.

However, in your case, the unbelievable happened. Your company failed to secure the car after having got it back. It is difficult to feel sympathy, as it was your company's error.

You may sue him for it back, which will mean the very civil suit you sought to avoid before. Or you may try again. If you do, try and hide the car next time, or transport it to it's terminal destination at once.