People who would have stolen in the first place are unlikely to have the heart to return it. It's like admission of guilt, even if they feel guilty.
I feel for you. I love my black VX-7R. In fact this is my /first/ amateur radio. If it got stolen or broken I'd be quite upset. You never forget your first, huh?
I do hope all the luck though. What a surprise it would be to find it in the mail one day!
If worst comes to worst, perhaps you can take the chance to pick up the 8R!
Good luck!