Chicago Police Warn of Surge in Honda Civic Airbag Thefts
Chicago residents are once again being warned about a recent surge in airbag thefts targeting Honda Civics across the city. This marks the fourth time in a month and the third time in just one week that organized crews have been targeting these vehicles.
One resident in Irving Park took to the Ring Network to share their unfortunate experience, stating, “BE ALERT! My car got broken into, airbag was stolen! If anybody has any information or if their cameras picked up anything please let me know!! Happened between last night and this early morning.”
The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that approximately 50,000 airbags are stolen nationwide each year, with stolen airbags often selling for a fraction of the cost of factory replacement parts. This large price discrepancy has fueled the black market demand for stolen airbags.
Recent incidents in Chicago have seen thieves targeting late-model Hondas parked in various neighborhoods, including Wrigleyville, Uptown, Bucktown, and Tri-Taylor. Thieves have been smashing windows and removing steering wheel airbags from these vehicles. The thieves are believed to be operating in crews, with some individuals wearing jumpsuits and using stolen dealer plates on their vehicles.
To combat these thefts, Chicago Police are urging Honda owners to use anti-theft devices like the Club that lock onto the steering wheel and cover the airbag area. This added security measure can deter thieves looking for easy targets.
The surge in airbag thefts has caused a ripple effect for victims, with legitimate replacement airbags facing long backlogs at auto body shops. Some frustrated owners have turned to the black market for replacement parts, further perpetuating the issue.
In addition to facing delays, there is also a risk of dishonest repair shops installing stolen airbags as replacements, putting drivers at risk of having unsafe or improperly sourced parts in their vehicles.
As the trend of airbag thefts continues, it is crucial for Honda owners to take precautions to protect their vehicles and to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
