A Santa Ana resident stole a kid’s expensive e-bike in Tustin, but the story did not end up well for him as the kid’s parents had equipped the bike with a hidden Air Tag, according to the Tustin Police Department.
This meant that the police officers were able to track down the stolen e-bike and arrest the Santa Ana man who stole it.
The suspect was booked at the Orange County Jail.
This story serves as a great reminder to all:
- If you can provide the police with a great lead, such as live tracking features on your stolen property, they will happily attempt to recover it.
- You should never steal someone’s stuff, but if you do, maybe don’t do it in Tustin. Unless of course, you’re a fan of going straight to jail!
If you don’t have access to a tracking device such as an Airtag, you can always register your bike through Project 529.
In California, the penalties for stealing an e-bike can vary based on the value of the bike and the circumstances of the theft. Here are the general guidelines:
- Petty Theft: If the e-bike’s value is less than $950, it is considered petty theft, which is a misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,0001.
- Grand Theft: If the e-bike’s value is $950 or more, it is considered grand theft. This can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor grand theft can result in up to 1 year in county jail, while felony grand theft can lead to 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison1.
Stealing from a child might also be considered an aggravating factor, potentially leading to harsher penalties.
