This may be a bit off the immediate discussion, but you should always keep the bill of sale, serial number & photos of your bike in case this happens. Some communities offer bike registration in case of theft and recovery. I also remove the bottom brackets of my bike, and leave an identifier scratched into the BB shell. I know it sounds paranoid, but bikes don't have titles like cars.

Good luck in the recovery, but be careful as it sound like the law will not be on your side.