Someone Moved My Bike

[Dan K]

Does that mean that stealing a car or bike just for a joy ride isn't theft in the eyes of the law? "I wasn't going to keep it, I just wanted to drive it for a while!"

Not being argumentative; truly just trying to get a feel for the details.

I think that's why in Illinois, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, PSMV, is classified as possession and not a theft.  Obviously, you have to prove the driver knew it was stolen (usually obvious from the peeled steering column on cars that use keys).

If you could prove they took it, it could also be a Burglary to Auto, as well as a felony theft depending on the value of the car.

BUT with a PSMV, it doesn't matter if you were planning to put it back.  Know it was stolen?  Guilty.

- Dan

[chornbe]

Gotcha. Thanks.  

[thatguy]

That kind of offense falls under "unauthorized use."

[Dan K]

That kind of offense falls under "unauthorized use."

Only talking about PSMV in Illinois - Class 4 felony.  Criminal trespass to vehicle, CTTV is a misdemeanor.

- Dan

[chornbe]

ya know... the more we talk about this, the more I think "curb the fucker" is the right answer.  

[FJR1300]

ya know... the more we talk about this, the more I think "club the fucker with a pipe" is the right answer.  

FTFY

[Dan K]

FTFY

OUCH!

[atadaskew]

Or cut the rubber brake line....

You still couldn't ride it away, as the throttle is locked.
So yeah, cut the brake line, snap the brake lever.

Or go take the bike next to it that doesn't have a lock on it.

[Indy Raven YZF]

I wouldn't probably resort to violence, but I may just to prove a point.  If it's not yours and not in a store for you to buy don't touch it. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.  I think people think because motorcycles are open and easy to move, that it's like a bicycle and they can move it around as such, not realizing some bikes cost more than their car.

Now because I carry insurance and I'm not really attached to my bike (it's not a classic or something special), if you take it, I get a new bike, not a bad deal for me so I don't really care. In the case of the Dodge that was stolen, I'd be pissed as it was a special car, but at least he got it back and made it better.

[Robus]

Not sure how I would react.  I'm sure I'm not down with this badass biker ethic that says: "you touch my bike, you die mthrfkr!."  Violence would probably not be on the agenda.