Feel sorry for the owner. Many insurers won't cover a loss when the loss occur at a shopping center or any other venue not related to a car show or event. They specifically exclude trips to malls or grocery stores or Wal Mart like businesses, unless it is for the purpose of attending an event or getting car parts or maintenance. I hope like hell that his insurer will cover, because it is unlikely that he will ever see it again, at least not in the same condition.

Most malls and shopping centers have security cameras on poles, walls or roof tops. Very few want to be sued due to an issue of customer safety. Hopefully there was a camera or two covering that area where the car was. but it's also possible that the picture quality may be of little value identifiying the bastard who stole it.

Maybe if he is lucky, it was stolen by a joy rider who will abandon it when it runs out of gas.