Tenant Stole an Appliance

[Michael Seeker]

Let's say the tenant took off with an expensive washer/dryer combo. Should I call the police and file a criminal complaint (theft) or should I just take them to small claims court or both?

A little background - tenant was in the property when I purchased it at foreclosure. Tenant lived there for free and "managed" the property for the previous owner. Tenant is now moving to another property that is still owned by the previous owner. There are several other of these washer/dryer combos in other apartments that are staying with the building as they were purchased by the previous owner and part of the units and rental agreements. I do not have a copy of any lease with this tenant. Thoughts?