STOLEN IPAD: smart way to get it back?Can thief unlock it?

In addition to what Diavonex has already said, be sure to follow Apple's recommendations for If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen.

Was your iPad running iOS 7? If so, there is some consolation that without your Apple ID and password, the thief of whomever he sells it to, will not be able to activate it. it will be little more than a paperweight. You can read more here about iCloud: Activation Lock.

If the iPad was running iOS 7, the thief/finder will not ever be able to use it.

iCloud: Find My iPhone Activation Lock in iOS 7

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5818

Apple (and no one else) can not assist (with serial number or iCloud) in finding a lost or stolen iPad.

Report to police along with serial number. Change all your passwords.

These links may be helpful.

How to Track and Report Stolen iPad

http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-track-and-report-stolen-ipad

Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2526

What to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5668

How to Find a Missing iPad with FindMyiPad

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-find-a-missing-ipad-with-findmyipad .html

iCloud: Locate your device on a map

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2698

iCloud: Lost Mode - Lock and Trace

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2700

iCloud: Remotely Erase your device

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2701

Report Stolen iPad Tips and iPad Theft Prevention

http://www.stolen-property.com/report-stolen-ipad.php

General steps to follow for a Stolen iPad

http://stolen-ipad.com/

How to recover a lost or stolen iPad

http://ipadhelp.com/ipad-help/how-to-recover-a-lost-or-stolen-ipad/

How to Find a Stolen iPad

http://www.ehow.com/how_7586429_stolen-ipad.html

What NOT to do if your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen

http://www.tomahaiku.com/what-not-to-do-if-your-iphone-or-ipad-lost-or-stolen/

Apple Product Lost or Stolen

http://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/support/advice-and-articles/lost-or-st Len

Oops! iForgot My New iPad On the Plane; Now What?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303459004577362194012634000.html

If you don't know your lost/stolen iPad's serial number, use the instructions below. The S/N is also on the iPad's box.

How to Find Your iPad Serial Number

http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-find-your-ipad-serial-number

iOS: How to find the serial number, IMEI, MEID, CDN, and ICCID number

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4061

Check the serial number (located on back/bottom) in this lost/stolen iPad database. However, most owners are not aware of this database and don’t enter the serial number.

Stolen iPad Database

http://www.stolenlostfound.org/online-stolen-ipad-database

Also do a search, using the serial number, on your local Craig’s List. Some users list the serial number of a stolen iPad to thwart the sale of a stolen device.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Lost Mode

If you can’t find your device, use Lost Mode right away to lock it with a passcode, display a custom message on the screen, and keep track of its location.

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2700