Steering Column Repair: Cut off steering wheel, chop shop, car thief

Question
My niece had her 1993 Nissan Pickup stolen.  The vehicle was recovered but the steering wheel had been cut off.  Why would a car thief do that? The only other things missing off the vehicle was the original, non-working stereo, and the car battery. Everything else was ok. Thanks, Chris Waggoner

Answer
Hi Chris:
Sorry about your truck. It really is an inconvenience and feels like a personal violation when thieves attack.
The only common reason a steering wheel gets cut is to remove a "Club".  We used to see a lot more of it, but in the recent years, the thieves are just kids going for a joy ride without the intent of a chop shop or an organized theft ring.  
It sounds like this may have been an initiation to a gang (go steal a truck & you're in!)
But, I'm glad you got it back.
Good luck (from here on out)