Hi all, I am currently being accused of stealing a camera from an ex-partner. Long to short, I did not steal it, however I was the last person seen with it (picked it up and looked at it then put it back down).

I had the police knocking on my door yesterday and allowed them to search my home and car. I have been told by the police officer that even in the event that I am found to be innocent of the theft, I will still be responsible for the replacement of the camera.

Today however, I was sifting through old messages to and from the ex-partner (saving any important shit etc.) before wiping them from my phone. I found a conversation where I had asked her for my belongings to be returned. I have a message from her stating that she is throwing my belongings out and to forget about the camera and in her exact words "if you find it, keep it."

What should I do from here? I would assume that this would invalidate her attempt to charge me with theft, but I don't want to blindly assume. I've not got a whole lot of experience in dealing with police etc, save getting kicked out of carparks for skating...

Thanks in advance, all advice appreciated :) -M