Stupid Kids . . . I know they stole our bikes but . . .

[kajero]

Stupid Kids.
they stole our bikes.
The bikes are worth at least 5,000 so they can be charged with a felony.
I am sure they didn't know the value of what they stole. They just thought it would be fun to ride some really nice bikes.
Yes, I know they stole them, but I hate to see a felony go on their records. I guess they should have stolen something cheaper.
OK I am a sap. I hope it can be reduced to a misdemeanor.
It would never occur to me to steal someone's bike no matter how accessible it was. In fact, I saw an unlocked bike outside a dollar store a few days ago. I was very concerned about it not being locked up, but i didn't take it! So I am having a rough time figuring out how I even feel about the situation now. Is a felony an overkill

Of course, I may feel different once the bikes are released. We have to bring receipts and proof of ownership but went out of town before would could do that. If the bikes are damaged well . . . .
The police say the bikes look great and that everyone in the precinct is drooling over them, so I assume nothing has happened to them.

[Crankin]

You are over thinking this.
They stole your bikes; it's a felony. Enough said.
It doesn't matter how much they were worth. Stealing is wrong.

[Owlie]

You are over thinking this.
They stole your bikes; it's a felony. Enough said.
It doesn't matter how much they were worth. Stealing is wrong.

Agreed. It doesn't matter how much the bikes were worth, how much they thought they were worth, or what they were planning to do with them. They chose to commit a crime. They should face the consequences.

[OakLeaf]

Take some time to think about it, and if you still feel the same way, let the prosecutor know.

Understand that it's a structural problem why the state considers the crime these people committed more serious than if they'd punched you in the face and knocked out a few teeth, or if they'd hit you with a car while you were riding and both killed you and destroyed your bike.

Those decisions, about what our penal system considers serious, aren't personal to you. But if you refuse to participate in that system, let the prosecutor know. They may or may not take your feelings into account and offer a misdemeanor plea, but in a case like this, they likely will.

[nuliajuk]

Just how old are they? I bet they did know they were stealing something expensive. They can walk into a bike store and look at prices the same as anyone else.

[Catrin]

There is also another perspective that says if they wind up getting off on a misdemeanor, then they may not learn anything from the experience. Of course that depends on the individuals, but they likely knew exactly what they were stealing - and if I remember your OP properly this was not a crime of opportunity. I've been reading that bike thieves have/are becoming more selective in what they steal.

[pinsonp2]

You need to do what you think is best for you and your DH. However, you need to keep in mind how devastated you were when you discovered the bikes missing, how you felt sort of violated. That needs to be considered as well as the actual value of the bikes. Will the punishment actually serve to teach the thieves a lesson so they will never do that again? We seem to have evolved into a society that some people think that it's OK to take something from someone else because they figure they won't get caught or will get a light sentence. We as victims need to support the justice system to implement punishment that will truly deter these 'boys' from future criminal endeavors. I don't know exactly what that should be, but supporting a lesser charge may not be the answer. YMMV

Glad you are getting the bikes back,
P2

[shootingstar]

Let the charge be on the record. The kids have to learn. They also trespassd on your property to get at the bikes.

[Irulan]

Let the charge be on the record. The kids have to learn. They also trespassd on your property to get at the bikes.

I totally agree with this. Most bike thieves are not opportunists, but part of a something bigger and well on the way to becoming career criminals. Nowis not the time to go all " oh those poor kids might have to go jail now" on them.

[rebeccaC]

Since you don't say how old they are or if they have past criminal records I'll add that forgiveness is my way of not letting a negative feeling control my actions. For sure they need to take responsibility for their actions as we all do. If they are young then for me that responsibility could be like Muirenn's idea about community service and also probation rather than having a felony on their record which has some serious complications on their lives.

In any case do what YOU feel is right regarding talking to the police/prosecutors about your thoughts!!! I've had a couple of cheap personally built up city bikes stolen. My first thought was I hoped the thief would take care of the bike and appreciated the work I put into it ....then I just let the situation turn into my building up another cheap city bike and moving forward.

Glad you got your bikes back!!!!!!!!

[Catrin]

{{{Kajero}}} so sorry

[brigada]

I can sort of understand that there exists some sort of idiot thief reasoning for their actions, but taking end caps is just beyond me :|

What the hell were they going to use them for, ear plugs?

[kajero]

Maybe they thought they could remove the handle bar tape and then decided it was too much work??? I had replaced the white tape with blue tape because the white tape looked so dirty. The blue color on the handle bars is unique. It was what caught the police's eye to stop the thieves while they rode the bikes. I am so glad we provided really good photos to the police

And for those of you who are reading this . .
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SERIAL NUMBER, MODEL AND YEAR OF YOUR BICYCLES WRITTEN DOWN IN A SAFE PLACE. Also take a photo of the serial number on the bike and a photo of you and your bike together in front or your house or your car! It helps as point of reference. The detective said these things really helped with the recovery of the bikes! You cannot have too much information!!!!

[kajero]

Muirenn,
I did think of that. Trouble is the insurance deductible is $2500. I have a bike to ride. My SO doesn't. He needs the e assist thing.

[Irulan]

Maybe they thought they could remove the handle bar tape and then decided it was too much work??? I had replaced the white tape with blue tape because the white tape looked so dirty. The blue color on the handle bars is unique. It was what caught the police's eye to stop the thieves while they rode the bikes. I am so glad we provided really good photos to the police

And for those of you who are reading this . .
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SERIAL NUMBER, MODEL AND YEAR OF YOUR BICYCLES WRITTEN DOWN IN A SAFE PLACE. Also take a photo of the serial number on the bike and a photo of you and your bike together in front or your house or your car! It helps as point of reference. The detective said these things really helped with the recovery of the bikes! You cannot have too much information!!!!

I also have sales reciepts, and printout from the manufacturers website showing the specs. And a statement from my insurer that my bikes are fully covered.