Tools robbed from my van last night

[Mrs Ten Names]

He would then look at the tools, see that they're the ones stolen from him and "politely" and "calmly" recover them.

What happens if the seller refuses?

Like anybody would. I certainly would, if i was selling something which had come into my ownership, as far as I was aware, perfectly legally.
I wouldn't 'politely' and calmly hand them over to someone who turns up to claim them.
Even if someone always goes prepared with receipts showing the serial numbers, proof of ownership, etc. I would still refuse to hand them over.
Let the police/court decide ownership. I'm guessing that the original owner would be required to return their newly replaced tools back to the insurance, if the tools now in my possession were to be returned to the original owner.

 

[ajohn]

I'm guessing t

Correct you are.

 

[johnny2007]

What happens if the seller refuses?

Refuses to meet or hand the tools over?
If they refused to meet, you'll have to find another way to catch them.
If they refused to hand the tools over...well, by that point I would've made them an offer they couldn't possibly refuse..
.

 

[noseall]

I would've made them an offer they couldn't possibly refuse..
.

You ard part of the problem boyo.