So sad.
If anyone can make anything good of these abused machines, you can Gordon. As for the abuse, I would DEFINITELY make a huge stink with the law enforcement agency. Not only is their reprehensible conduct a disgrace to the law abiding citizens they are supposed to protect, it is an inefficient waste of their own time and resources. Don't let them bully you when it comes to compensation either. To them, they just broke some old washing machines, but they have a greater value to you, especially with regards to NLA parts.
Had they just made use of drug-sniffing dogs, they could have saved a great deal of time and effort.
Give 'em hell,
Dave