I use ladder stands almost exclusively... a few hang ons. I too, have had just the ladder stolen and the padlocked seat section was still there. What I do now is besides a big chaing section and padlocks, I have replaced the clips with bolts on one side. Makes no sense to do both sides b/c if they have a wrench with them it won't be a problem anyway.
NOW, what else I do is I use a dremel tool and grind my name and phone number on the second section step at eye level. Letting someone know who it belongs to somehow keeps them more honest. In fact grind your name/phone # in each each section. That way way in the future you may come across it or the thief may put it up on someones land and the landowner may call you to complain and you might get it back.