Can Apple help finding iPad with new "Owner" via serial Number?

Question

VERY sadly I lost my 3rd Generation, wifi-only iPad in a taxi in Mexico (my parttime home). I tried using FindMyPhone app to find or lock my iPad, but it NEVER worked. Last Saturday, someone connected online (despite what the FindMyPhone said) and a handful of photos showed up in my DropBox. I have a very general idea where it is (not the city, only state of Guanajuato) and appears to be owned by a teacher.
BUT!!! Why can't Apple use the serial number to keep the person from creating a new account, tell me when and where it is online? I know people are getting robbed of their iPhones, iPads, etc often.
I do suspect Apple does not want to help, as victtims become new purchasers.
Any suggestions?
P.S. This weekend is Mexico Independence and I will go to the equivalent of our school district on Tuesday to see if anyone recognizes the photos of the classroom the apparent teacher took. So close, yet so far.
I am pretty heartbroken as it is a bit too expensive to replace.
P.P.S. AND, NO there is NO geolocation information in any of the photos. I have tried all the usual ways to recoup my 64GB baby.

Answer 1

Apple (and no one else) can not assist (with serial number or iCloud) in finding a lost or stolen iPad.
Report to police along with serial number. Change all your passwords.
These links may be helpful.
How to Track and Report Stolen iPad
http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-track-and-report-stolen-ipad
Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2526
What to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5668
iCloud: Locate your device on a map
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2698
Report Stolen iPad Tips and iPad Theft Prevention
http://www.stolen-property.com/report-stolen-ipad.php
How to recover a lost or stolen iPad
http://ipadhelp.com/ipad-help/how-to-recover-a-lost-or-stolen-ipad/
How to Find a Stolen iPad
http://www.ehow.com/how_7586429_stolen-ipad.html
What NOT to do if your iPhone or iPad is lost or stolen
http://www.tomahaiku.com/what-not-to-do-if-your-iphone-or-ipad-lost-or-stolen/
Apple Product Lost or Stolen
http://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/support/advice-and-articles/lost-or-st olen
Oops! iForgot My New iPad On the Plane; Now What?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303459004577362194012634000.html
If you don't know your lost/stolen iPad's serial number, use the instructions below. The S/N is also on the iPad's box.
How to Find Your iPad Serial Number
http://www.ipadastic.com/tutorials/how-to-find-your-ipad-serial-number
iOS: How to find the serial number, IMEI, MEID, CDN, and ICCID number
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4061
 Cheers, Tom