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Organization: Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
Date: September 15, 2008
Open Garage Leads to Bicycle Theft
September 11, 2008, Thursday, 6:00 p.m. — Stevenson Ranch
Three 13-year-olds wandered through the streets of Stevenson Ranch looking for a bicycle. In the 25600 block of Crockett Lane, they found one in an open garage. Two of the boys already had bicycles, so they just needed a third bicycle. One of the boys entered the open garage and took a BMX bicycle worth $250. He rode it out of the garage, down the driveway and to his friends. The teenage girl living at the home saw him ride out of the garage on her brother's bike. She raised the alarm and while her mother tried to follow the suspects on foot, she called 9-1-1 to report the theft. She provided all the necessary information and had a good description of the bicycle thief.
The Sheriff's helicopter was in the area and responded quickly to Stevenson Ranch. The helicopter observer, a deputy assigned to work the helicopter, spotted three boys riding bikes at Pico Canyon Elementary School. The boys were quickly detained by field patrol units and the stolen bicycle was identified by the girl. All three boys were arrested after the investigation as it revealed that they all worked together to steal the bicycle. The boys were all residents of Stevenson Ranch. They were released to their parents after being booked for varying charges including burglary, receiving stolen property, and conspiring to commit burglary. The case will be presented to the Sylmar District Attorney's office for filing of criminal charges.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Department advises all residents of the Santa Clarita Valley that one of the best ways to prevent crime is to thwart the opportunist. Leaving garage doors open, car doors unlocked and expensive electronic or other property in plain view is just the temptation it takes for some people to cross the line into criminal behavior. Don't be a victim. Close your garage when you are not inside it, lock your car doors and bring expensive property with you when parking the car, especially overnight in the street or a driveway.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available at this time. -ref 16300
If You See Something, Say Something! Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847.
