So, is a lawsuit all a private citizen can do against a criminal?

If I go to a big box retailer and steal merchandise, or vandalize equipment, and get caught— I am detained by security, arrested for a named crime, sent to jail, appear before a judge, have to make reparations or pay for damages, and possibly serve jail time for the named crime.

But if someone steals from me or vandalizes my property, all I can do is file a suit in civil court, and even if ordered, payment for the damages done is pretty much voluntary on the part of the instigator?

Why no arrest or police record? Why no punitive action for the crime itself? Why no jail time? Why does the offender often simply evade going to court ? Why no enforcement of the repayment the judge orders from the defendant?

I am the plaintiff in a lawsuit in which I doubt any real payment for damages will be forthcoming. Why can’t the defendant be charged with a crime, if judgement is levied against them?