Dangerous and stupid...the thief that is. He could have killed with his reckless behavior...for what!?
Not sure I would have done anything different than the owner, but he may want to invest in a plate cam. Mine was $200.
I also have a way to sound off messages and alarms sounds remotely over a PA system. I've used it a few times for people partying in my bays. It's amazing how people react to a siren or a message telling them they are being watched and recorded.
So he as I, remotely monitor our washes. I would have sounded and alarm remotely to stop him from damaging the equipment further and called the police with the plate number. That would have prevented an on site confrontation and the chase...both of which are highly dangerous and could have resulted in death.