Apple AirTag Helps Cops Find Stolen Motorcycle in Thief’s Bedroom, but Punishment Is Laughable

Police in the UK find a stolen motorcycle thanks to AirTag, but the punishment for the thief is ridiculously inconsequential.

By: Robbie Bacon

Oct 6, 2025 at 9:46am ET

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If you have an iPhone, I maintain that getting an Apple AirTag for your motorcycle should be the first accessory you buy. It's not a theft-prevention device, but it could play a crucial role in getting your bike back after it's stolen. AirTags are arguably even more useful in motocross bikes, which are disproportionately stolen in the likes of the UK and Ireland, and much harder to track down as they're unregistered and it's easy to swap out the plastics.

Now, we have a story proving my theory of just how useful AirTags are for motorcyclists, and a delightfully embarrassing situation for the thief.

Police in Braunstone Town, near Leicester, England, were led to a thief's bedroom via an Apple AirTag that was hidden under the £6,000 ($8,089) bike's seat. While it's a relief to hear a story about someone getting their stolen bike back in the UK, when motorcycle theft rates seem to be off the charts, the punishment dished out to the thief sends an all-too-clear message that this type of crime is bordering on being tolerated.

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The thief, Bell, 35, has previous convictions, which include battery, and also refused to answer any questions during his interview. He was represented in court by Mike Diez, who told the story of an "opportunistic" thief. Diez said, "The spoke on the back wheel was broken, so it was insecure, and it was a kickstart bike, so there wasn't any key needed. He made a stupid decision to steal the bike. It was out of character."

After hearing from Diez, the court gave Bell a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work. Bell was also ordered to pay £85 ($114) for court costs and a £114 ($153) victim surcharge. Considering the punishment for someone who has previous convictions, it's not hard to sympathize with motorcyclists in the UK, where motorcycle theft is seemingly treated with very little consequence.