Howard County Police in Maryland discovered over 30 stolen airbags in the back of a vehicle, highlighting a growing trend.
Recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicates that approximately 50,000 airbags are stolen annually in cities like Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Baltimore, resulting in losses of $50 million for vehicle owners and insurers.
Seth Hoffman of the Howard County Police Department explains that compared to catalytic converters, stealing airbags is a simpler process.
“It’s not uncommon to come across hauls like this. Thieves target high-density residential areas or locations with many vehicles, swiftly stealing from as many cars as possible in a short time frame,” Hoffman stated.
The NICB estimates that stolen airbags can fetch $50-$200 on the black market. However, replacement costs for drivers range from $1,500 to $6,000.
RELATED STORY | Thefts of charging cables pose yet another obstacle to appeal of electric vehicles
“Victims have to cope with replacing airbags, windows, and having their cars incapacitated. It’s a major ordeal for them,” Hoffman emphasized.
Shady auto shops could potentially profit from this criminal activity.
Hoffman suggests using an alarm system and a “steering wheel club” for protection against this type of theft, especially if you park on the street and own a Honda or Toyota, which are frequently targeted vehicles.
While overall crime rates have been decreasing, vehicle theft numbers are rising. Vehicle thefts increased by approximately 1% nationwide last year and have been on an upward trend since 2019, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
