Wouldn't a loud, shouting phone be binned, smashed or thrown in the nearest lake? I'd go for the subtle option til you had photos, gps location and other useful evidence for the authorities, then you can go all out! I would claim on my house & contents policy though.

Maybe combine with some face recognition software (as in the "burgertime" game) so that you knew when you had a photo of the thief from the front cam..?