stolen cars and the police

Recently a family member had a car stolen from there drive way, so of course the ploice were called to report it stolen also told them that it had an over heating problem and didn't think the car would get very far. so almost a week went by and a friend called and said they had seen the car in an open field about 2 miles away from where it had been stolen and they had seen  it there for 3 days before they called us nobody know how long it had been there before that probably the same night (but not before they had done some damage to it) So we contacted the Policeto let know that We found the car and that we were going to have it towed home and they could come check it out there if needed, The Officer said no no don't touch the car we will be right down to check it out and get fingerprints. What they did is tow it to there impound and then told us to come get it after we pay $250.00 towing and impound fees???? so far I have heard so many stories about how they have to take the car and impound it for this reason or that reason but it will still cost you to get it back.it sounds like some kind of rack-it do the police get some kind of kick back from the tow yard? and why should it cost the person that the car got stolen from ? it wasnt there failt it got stolen and on top of that the police didn't find it. for what reason does this sound right?