If the guy wanted the van, he should have made the effort to contact the owner and negotiate a deal.
That's how it's done by civilised humans.
The van was on private property. There's absolutely no question this was a case of theft.
What disturbs me is all the legal mumbo-jumbo associated with the case. Stuff like this is why our legal system is in need of reform.
My brother had a Chevy van in high school - early 70's. A pic of him from back in the day:
