Is it worth asking whether the author, as a company's managing director, is a high-profile target and perhaps his phone was specifically stolen for a high-touch scam? I'd imagine corporate espionage insights for even a minor company would be more valuable than the $800 iPhone itself; someone handling material non-public information about a publicly-traded company could yield stock tips worth thousands or millions.
I'm the orig post author, and I did think of that too. But no - it was far from home on a holiday trip in a rental car. If someone really wanted my phone, there are many simpler ways. Also, it wasn't the only car with a broken window on the same parking lot when we came back to the car.
In addition, we're a really open company and not that great a target for espionage. We have very few secrets worth significant money.
