Stolen beds from my rental barn apartment

I rent my barn apartment. Last year I got a tenant that never paid and finally had to evict him. I am ready to go small claims court for about $7000. But first he took the bunk beds I left there for him to use. They were made by my grandfather and I slept on them, my kids did and I want them for my grand kids too.

So I filed a theft report. The police interviewed the tenant and he told him that I gave him the beds. I would never have done that. I have parts to the bunk beds still here in my garage. If I had given them he would have that too. The police originally said they would go with me to pick up the beds. But then changed his mind and said it was a civil matter.

It seems really strange to me that a tenant can take whatever he wants and it ok and not stealing. 

I think the police have this wrong as it doesn't seem right for sure 

Any ideas