In a bold string of thefts that has left a North Highlands business reeling, thieves have made off with approximately 100 motorized e-bikes worth over $120,000. According to ABC10, these burglaries occurred across 10 days during overnight hours, severely impacting the business's inventory. Sergeant Amar Gandhi, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, characterized the perpetrators as both "very smart" and "crafty," as per CBS News Sacramento.
The e-bikes in question are of the Alki brand, distinct in their custom color patterns - black with neon green or red, coupled with distinctive three-spoke wheels - which, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, have not been sold in the U.S., making the stolen items rare and potentially easy to spot. Despite the theft's magnitude, only 12 of the stolen e-bikes have been recovered and returned to the business so far. The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to step forward, as the large number of e-bikes remains unaccounted for.
The officials have appealed to the public to keep an eye out for the stolen goods, especially on online marketplaces where they may appear for sale. As reported by CBS News Sacramento, people noticing these specific bikes online are likely sighting stolen property and should immediately contact law enforcement. The business, which requested anonymity, is said to be scouring through surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the culprits behind this orchestrated series of thefts.
Authorities, while successfully retrieving a fraction of the pilfered property, remain tight-lipped about how the 12 bikes were recovered. Working to deter future incidents and to bring the criminals to justice, the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers are also involved, providing an additional avenue for tips from the community.
Contacts for information leading to the recovery of the remaining e-bikes and the apprehension of the thieves include Detective Ryan Drummond at 916-420-9823 or Detective Andy Carter at 916-812-5643. The public can also reach out to the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357 for anonymous tips.
