I hate to be a cynic - but a theft like that is almost 100% definitely going to be either a neighbour or a friend/acquaintance. Nobody else would likely get in a car and steal a dashboard in that manner unless they knew the owner, and when and how they could steal it without them knowing, (while they were asleep or out at the movies, or whatever)

I hope you find the mongrel that did it and the dash is returned, and they get their just desserts too.