I wonder why won't Apple implement some stolen iPhone tracking. Imagine stolen iPhones displaying a "this iPhone was stolen" message during initial activation. This will make small stores owners (which I assume are a big part in sale of said stolen devices) actually care and check the source of their merchandise.
Verizon appears to care now
I was told there would be no issue activating my old iPhone4 on my mother in law's account as long as "no one reported it stolen"