Howard County Police in Maryland discovered over 30 stolen airbags in the back of a single vehicle, showcasing a growing trend in theft.
Recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicates an annual theft of about 50,000 airbags in cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Baltimore, resulting in $50 million in losses for vehicle owners and insurers.
Seth Hoffman from the Howard County Police Department explains that stealing airbags is relatively simple compared to catalytic converters.
“It’s not uncommon to come across hauls like this. Thieves target high-density residential areas or places with a lot of vehicles, quickly taking airbags from multiple cars within minutes,” said Hoffman.
The NICB estimates stolen airbags can be sold for $50-$200 on the black market, but replacement costs for drivers range from $1,500 to $6,000.
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“Victims have to replace airbags, windows, and deal with their vehicle being out of commission. It’s a major ordeal for them,” he said.
Shady auto shops could profit significantly from these stolen airbags.
Hoffman suggests using an alarm system or a “steering wheel club” as a deterrent if you frequently park on the street and do not have a garage.
“Especially for owners of highly targeted vehicles like Hondas and Toyotas, investing in a club can prevent theft,” he advised.
While overall crime rates have decreased, vehicle theft numbers have been steadily rising. In the past year, nationwide vehicle thefts rose by about 1%, continuing an upward trend since 2019, as reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
