Why would someone steal my car stereo remote?

Question

Last night, my car was broken in to. My cd player has a detachable face, which I had inside of my home. The thieves still tried to pry my cd player out, but were unsuccessful. Does the player have value without the face? Then the thieves stole 2 burned cds from my center console and the remote control to my cd player. Is the remote universal, or what value does it have to them? I never used the remote once with my cd player, so I am not too upset, but I am still curious as to why they would take it. I also found it funny that they stole the burned cds, everything else such as napkins and car paperwork was scattered about. Thanks for the answers ahead of time.

Answer 1

Some people will steal anything that is not bolted down regardless of what it might be. It looked like something they might be able to get a few bucks for so they took it. Frankly, the utility of a car stereo remote is lost on me.

Answer 2

What do you think E bay and Craig's list are for?

Answer 3

they could sell the player on ebay to you know those other thieves that were lucky enough to get the face plate but not the player its self and yea the remote will work for all the same type of radio.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, Pioneer's remotes for their receivers are all universal. Not many brands remotes are like this anymore, but Pioneer seems to think there isn't a problem with it.

As to the question about the deck being usefull without the face plate, most brands make the faceplate special to each deck, with 1 out of every 14 being identical. So there is a good chance if they stole a deck with the same faceplate, and got your deck, they might be able to use it. Good thing they couldn't get your deck out though.