There were two older girls that lived up the street that became interested in "boys" (a looong story and a different story) that started hanging out with the younger boys trying to get them to do stuff that no little boys should be made to do. In any case, one of my stepson's female friends started hanging out with them and after all the parents collectively shut those two older girls down and they no longer "hung out" around our kids, that female "friend" tried to punish everyone by taking my stepson's bicycle, dismantled it and tossed it over a cliff.
He was in tears - he knew she did it but had no proof. That is the cue for a parent to step in. I approached her and told her in a very matter of fact way that she may be able to fool my little boy, but there was no way she would ever be able to fool me.
That was all it took. Her friends ratted her out. Later that night, I was visited by her father, he had her by his side and said "My little girl would like to tell you something".
That was when she apologized and admitted to trashing the bike and said she would be buying him a new one. Her father and I stood on my front porch and no words were needed to be exchanged - he had spanked her.
edit to add: They were playing again about a week later. One of the most important things I learned from it, was hold no grudges. Once the punishment is over - it's a clean slate.
I still see her once in a while around town - she is about 18 now. When she sees me, she runs over and gives me a hug, asks me how I am doing etc. etc. When that incident comes up, we both just chuckle about it.
