I have spotted an item for sale on eBay that belongs to me. I am satisfied that the seller is not the one who stole it and acquired it in good faith. I have contacted the seller to inform them of the situation asking them to remove the item from sale and return it to me. They have replied, explaining that they bought it at a charity shop or local market a while ago (I believe them) .
I have offered them a fair sum to cover the cost + P&P. via the best offer option. While they have acknowleged the situation, they have not responded to my offer. The item has little commercial value but is precious to me as it belonged to my late mother.
I've contacted ebay and they say I must contact the police. I am reluctant to do this as I don't want to get the seller in trouble or damage his ebay status if he bought the item innocently. Also, I doubt the police will do anything or if they do it will take an age, by which time the item will be long gone.
What should I do?
