William R. Walsh wrote:
Hi!


If it were you, which actions will you take to prevent this agony?


In addition to the other suggestions, please be careful - if this person
is willing to damage your property for whatever reason (personal
differences, revenge, anger, etc.), the may also try to turn it into a
physical altercation if you try to reason with him/her.
When you do catch the person, your best bet might be to confrony them in
a public place and hand them a copy of the tape, then offer to drop the
matter if your damages are fully paid for. You might want a friend to
record the full conversation to prove that you did not threaten the
person with violence, or try to blackmail thtem for more money.
Then if the refuse to pay you and not let it happen again, or accuse you
of any of the previously listed crimes, go directly to the police with
your evidence of the car scratching crimes.

Also seek the advice of an attorney, because following my advice and
video recording a conversation without the other party's knowledge may
be a crime.

But videotaping your own property to catch a vandal is NOT a crime and
can only do you good. Repainting a car is very expensive and if it
costs that much it may be considered a more serious crime, which may
warrant jail time, fines, and restitution to you for your expenses.
Good luck.