Where a party wants the property itself, several procedures deliver possession rather than damages.

Replevin or claim and delivery. A statutory action to recover specific personal property wrongfully detained. Most statutes permit pre-judgment possession on a showing of probable validity, notice and a hearing, and a bond, with the defendant able to retain possession by posting a redelivery bond.

Demand. Where the original possession was lawful — a bailee, a lessee, a departing employee holding equipment — a demand for return is generally required before the detention becomes wrongful.

Self-help repossession of collateral is permitted under the commercial code without judicial process if it can be done without breach of the peace, a standard that is assessed practically and is easily breached by confrontation, by entering a closed structure, or by involving law enforcement in a manner that suggests compulsion.

Conversion as the damages alternative, measured by the value of the property.

Constructive trust and equitable lien where property is traceable and the defendant’s retention would be unjust.

Practical considerations. Identify the property specifically, establish ownership or the right to possession with documents, and act quickly — property disappears while the parties correspond.