How is it that contractors can rip off the public and yet they h

Cape May - How is it that contractors can rip off the public and yet they have all the rights? I hired a contractor to do my roof and add a small front porch. Paid him $18,800 for supplies and labor. Started a poor job, damaged my home, stole the supplies and walked off the job. Will not return calls or texts. Called the police and they said it is a civil matter. Went to Consumer Affairs who attempted to contact him with no luck so the case was closed. BBB (Better Business Bureau) closed the case because the contractor did not respond. Had to hire a new contractor to correct his damage and redo now at a cost of $36,000.