[underbrush]

There is no way to recover stolen possessions with a high degree of confidence as there are countless of those types of incidents all the time every day. Most police forces already have less resources than they could use for the more serious cases. Reliably handling lesser serious cases that are even more plentiful would be a large increase in activities and even larger increase in effort. And since a large part of the cost of public services are salaries it would mean a noticeable tax increase. Probably for a long time. Other than that what you are asking isn't really possible.

[throwaway858]

It could be done if the thief, after having been found guilty, is then forced to pay a fine equal to the cost of the investigation and court costs.

Yes, this could end up being a fine of $10,000 for stealing a $150 phone, but there is an argument to be made that it is justified (and just).

What are the arguments against?

[poszlem]

One would be that people who steal $150 phones don't have $10,000 to pay for fines.

[aborsy]

Get them work for public for 10k (few months by EU standards).