A male suspect stole not one but two e-bikes during an early morning garage burglary, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Unfortunately for the suspect his actions were caught on video surveillance footage and the victim reported the crime quickly to the police.
After a prompt, coordinated search, officers located and arrested the suspect at a park over a mile away. One e-bike was recovered and returned. The suspect likely sold or traded the other bike.
The suspect was not identified by the police. He appeared to be African American and was likely a transient.
Residents in some cities can register their bikes at Project529.com. Cities in Orange County that participate in this program include Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Project 529 does not charge cities to participate in its bike registration program. The platform is designed to be free for law enforcement agencies and municipalities, making it easy for cities to adopt without incurring direct costs. Why the City of Santa Ana does not participate in this program is a very good question! You may contact the Santa Ana City Council here.
Project529.com can help participating law enforcement agencies to return a stolen or lost bike to its rightful owner.
Based on California law and recent updates, the suspect in the Costa Mesa garage burglary involving two stolen e-bikes could face multiple serious penalties:
Primary Charge: First-Degree Burglary (Residential Burglary)
Under California Penal Code § 459, entering a garage attached to a home with intent to commit theft qualifies as first-degree burglary, which is always a felony.
Penalties include:
- 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Formal probation (in some cases)
- A strike under California’s Three Strikes Law, which can significantly increase penalties for future convictions
Theft of E-Bikes
If the e-bikes are valued over $950 each, the suspect could also be charged with grand theft, which is a felony.
Penalties for grand theft:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
- Fines and restitution
- Probation, depending on prior record and circumstances
If the suspect sold or traded one of the bikes, that could trigger additional charges under laws targeting the sale or exchange of stolen property, especially if the value exceeds $950.
Aggravating Factors
The following could increase the severity of sentencing:
- Prior convictions
- Theft during nighttime hours
- Multiple stolen items
- Possession of stolen goods with intent to resell
Possible Additional Charges
If the suspect had tools used for burglary or was found with other stolen property, they could face:
- Possession of burglary tools
- Receiving stolen property
- Organized retail theft charges (if part of a pattern or group activity)
Summary
The suspect could face:
- Felony burglary charges (2–6 years in prison)
- Felony grand theft charges (up to 3 years)
- Additional penalties for selling stolen property
- Fines, probation, and restitution
He will probably get probation and be given a voucher for a free e-bike.