The company I work for does mechanical vehicle inspections on recovered stolen cars for a local panel shop, to allow them to have a complete picture of condition so they can accurately decide if a car should be repaired or written off.
We see everything from fifteen year old cars worth $1500 up to late model six figure luxury cars. The majority of cars we see can't be stolen without having a key.
The only pattern seems to be thieves are opportunistic, and will take a car because they are able to, rather than because they want or need the car for any reason.
I really hope this one gets recovered intact for the owner.