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Yeah, that would be the thing to try, if you have the time and inclination. Problem is proving accountability, and if the court believes you and goes your way, your new problem is then getting the money. Probably. Maybe it's different with values of this amount. Might be easier.
Anyway, tl;dr it's complicated, communal hallways / car parks are where bikes go to die - live to fight another day.
And either way, to "get another one" costs money which in my opinion my friend has every right to claim from the club for, via small claims if they won't settle when I go and talk to them once I've assessed the damage.