The difference could be that the US market for smart phones is warped through carrier subsidies. A $600 iPhone only costs a consumer $199 up front (they pay the difference through larger monthly fees).

So, at purchase time, an iPhone isn't an expensive phone. But, if you have to replace it off contract, it's very expensive. When it gets stolen, that $200 phone suddenly becomes a $600 phone, which probably leads people to more drastic action, like following criminals to their homes.

It's not really about the value as much as it's about the principle of the matter. Maybe it's an American thing but we have a sense of justice that makes us do irrational things when rationally it shouldn't. For example, someone broke into my car and ended up taking a tennis racket from my trunk. It wasn't expensive to replace but I got in my car and drove around to see if I could spot someone walking around with it. I would have confronted them and fought them if they didn't hand it back. Even then, I would probably call the cops and report the person.

Not sure why you got down voted for that. I did this not when stuff was stolen but when expensive stuff packed in. I now tend to use budget devices (Moto G and old thinkpad).

If you can't afford to replace it, you probably shouldn't have bought it.