On Thursday, a man reported that his locked mountain bicycle had been stolen from Target on Barranca, according to the Irvine Police Department.
IPD bike officers pedaled into action and spoke with the victim. Thankfully, the bike had a hidden AirTag and was tracking near Creekside High.
Patrol officers switched into high gear, tracked down the suspect on the bike trail, and put the brakes on the theft.
Christopher Martin Benson, 35, of Orange, who is on probation, was arrested for grand theft and lodged at the Orange County Jail for his efforts. The bike was returned to the owner.
Tracking devices and registering your bike at Project 529 (if you live or work in Irvine) will significantly help if your bike is stolen.
In California, a probationer arrested for grand theft—such as stealing a mountain bike equipped with an AirTag—faces serious legal consequences, especially under the updated 2025 laws.
Grand Theft Overview
Under Penal Code § 487, grand theft involves stealing property valued over $950, or specific items like firearms or vehicles, regardless of value
1. It is a “wobbler”, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.
Penalties for Grand Theft
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
- Felony:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Possible formal probation with up to 1 year in jail
- Restitution to the victim
- Loss of gun rights if convicted of a felony
2025 Enhancements
Recent updates to California law have introduced stricter penalties:
- AB 1960 & SB 1416: Add sentencing enhancements based on the aggregate value of stolen property, even across multiple incidents
- AB 2943: Criminalizes possession of over $950 in stolen retail goods with intent to resell, as a new felony
- Proposition 36: Adds 1–3 years to sentences for thefts involving multiple accomplices or high-value losses
Impact of Probation Status
Being on probation significantly increases the risk:
- Probation Violation: The arrest itself may trigger a revocation hearing
- If found in violation, the court may:
- Reinstate probation with stricter terms
- Revoke probation and impose the original sentence
- Add consecutive penalties for the new offense
Aggravating Factors
Courts may impose harsher penalties if:
- The theft involved deceit, trickery, or embezzlement
- The defendant has prior convictions
- The theft was part of a larger criminal scheme
