Coming in a bit late here, but I really don't understand why any compatible Mac or Apple iDevice user wouldn't have setup any of the various "find my mac or device" type options that are available, especially if they travel and therefore are great targets to those who just love to steal them.
Unfortunately whoever stole my eldest son's very customized MBPro in his carry case who had such a setup has never got around to opening it or let it turn on, but without any recharging or power up, I guess it seems to be lost forever.
Luckily his friend was luckier with his recent post:
"Another iPhone found its way home.
I love the find my phone feature! Some buster tried to steal my iPhone. I kept send pings to the phone and the person anonymously turned in phone to security. I watched them reluctantly move closer to the security desk, once I increased the pings...You gotta love technologically assisted consciousness!"