Was I being to hard on him? I hate it when people damage my car

[RAPID_BA]

Yesterday I was mowing my lawn and had my xr8 parked across the road, from the bAckyard I noticed A young boy crouched down near my rims. I immediately went running after him, he was off down the street on his scooter, I gave chase and caught him within about 200 meters, I grabbed him by the shirt and we walked back to the car to inspect. He had taken off the Crome valve cap but it was on the road. He denied it and said he dropped his wallet, I said what is your mums number I was going to call her and tell her of her boys activities. He starts crying and pleads and says he would never do it again. I told him I would not let him go until I speak to his mum. He cried and pleaded, I told him that if he tells me the truth I'd let him go, he admitted guilt and I made him promise me he would not steal or damage property ever agAin. I also told him that if I see him around here I would grab him and this time I'd call his mum. I'll tell you he was one very scared young boy. He would have been 10 years old

I know it's only a Crome Valve cap but they need to be taught a lesson.

Was I too hard on him. Thinking back. I should have given him $2 and said here go buy a valve cap but if I ever see him again I'd knock his head off.