Even in our dumbed down society, car thieves are not that stupid.
Thief who has just stolen a Prius to the 911 operator, "Uh, Hi. I just stole a Prius, drove a couple of miles and realized this car is a POS. Just wanted to let you know I'm leaving it at the corner of Main and Elm. Bye."
This also explains the quick recovery by officials.
If you're going to get caught for auto theft, might as well get caught for something desirable. I would think a thief would be embarassed by his fellow jail members.
"You stole a WHAT?"