That is too bad: Why not? Why not better operating instructions for Find My iPhone? Why not save a copy of the last known location of the phone even after the iPhone is locked? That would be helpful even if it was only designed to find lost phones. Am I missing something? The next logical step after trying to find your lost phone is to try to lock it in case someone finds it who decides not to return it. If we are using iCloud we have much or all of our info backed-up. No one can get your info and you can leave a message on how to contact you. Then you can still find it if it is "just lost" in my case-left behind on a plane. Am I missing something here?
Right now smart thieves know not to turn the phone on for the few seconds needed to shut down and restart in recovery mode (hard reboot) or, whatever you call it. I would at least have the last location stored in iCloud prior to locking it. I would also have a time signature. In my case the phone turned up a stones throw from the office of the cleaning crews that cleaned the plane rather than on the plane seat 23A where I left it.
Why do a lot of these posts related to stolen iPhones point out how stupid the poor owner was who didn't arm Find My iPhone? Why isn't that the default setting on the phone? Maybe it is. it would be a huge benefit to the vast number of legitimate iPhone owners to make getting away with stealing and reselling or using iPhones much more difficult. This applies to all "smart phones."
Legitmate resellers and buyers will surely appreciate the added security and improved likelihood of getting their second hand iPhone back be it lost or stolen.
Apple needs to get proactive and figure out what people want "before they know they want it." If anyone agrees please hit the Like thumbs up. I am not able to solve your problem I just know who can: the manufacturers and carriers if they put their collective heads together so the police can do their job.
