Wrong. Apple does have a database of all Macs reported stolen. Anyone calling in for support, or showing up for support, with a Mac that has that serial number will get a visit from the police shortly thereafter.
The thing is, the *police* don’t report the serials to Apple. It’s the owner’s responsibility to tell Apple, “Hey, someone stole my laptop, if you see it call the cops, will you?”
BTW, we did call Apple separately ourselves and didn’t expect the police to do it.