San Juan City police capture notorious e-bike thief
The San Juan City Police, supported by the Eastern Police District (EPD), announced the arrest of a notorious carnapper who allegedly targeted electric bicycles in two separate incidents. The suspect, identified by authorities as alias “Bidjang,” was detained following investigative leads that linked him to the two thefts, according to EPD Director Brig. Gen. Aden Lagradante.
Timeline of the thefts and the arrest
In the first incident, a resident reported the swift disappearance of an electric bike from a street corner near a busy commercial area. In the second case, another e-bike was stolen under similar circumstances, prompting local officers to intensify surveillance of known crime patterns involving two-wheeled electric transport. Through a combination of neighborhood canvassing, CCTV review, and tip-offs from residents, investigators narrowed the field and identified the suspect’s possible whereabouts.
Director Lagradante noted the suspect’s modus operandi: targeting high-demand e-bikes commonly used for daily commuting and short-distance travel. The authorities were able to recover items consistent with the stolen bicycles during the arrest and are continuing to verify whether Bidjang was involved in other related incidents recently reported in the area.
What the case reveals about city crime patterns
Crimes involving bicycles and light motorized bikes have surged in some urban districts as demand for affordable, eco-friendly transport grows. City police say that thieves often exploit gaps in security, such as unattended bikes locked with minimal chain protection or thefts that occur in crowded areas where crowds could obscure a quick grab-and-go theft. The Bidjang case underscores the importance of robust bike locking systems, secure parking, and vigilant community reporting.
Public safety and community response
Local authorities say the arrest demonstrates a commitment to public safety and swift action against property crime. The police are urging residents to: use high-security U-locks or multiple locking mechanisms, register their e-bikes with local authorities if possible, and report suspicious activity immediately. Law enforcement also emphasized ongoing patrols in areas with a history of bike thefts and a ready-to-act approach for potential repeat offenders.
What this means for stolen-property investigations
As technology evolves, investigators are increasingly leveraging surveillance footage, social-media tips, and cross-agency cooperation to solve theft cases quickly. The San Juan City operation shows how a coordinated response—combining local police work with district-level support—can yield timely results and help deter future incidents. Authorities remind bike owners that proactive measures can deter thefts and improve recovery rates when incidents occur.
Next steps and accountability
The suspect faces charges related to carnap and possibly other related property crimes. Police say more details will be released as the investigation unfolds and more evidence is gathered. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official communications and to continue supporting law enforcement with information that could help prevent similar offenses in the future.
