Honda Owners Being Warned About Rising Airbag Thefts
LOUISIANA - If you drive a Honda, you may want to take a closer look at where you park it at night.
Police are warning Honda owners about a recent increase in a very specific type of theft where criminals breaking into vehicles and stealing the driver's-side airbag.
Yep, the airbag.
It sounds like an odd thing for somebody to steal, especially when we're used to hearing about thieves going after catalytic converters, wheels or the entire vehicle.
For folks around Acadiana and elsewhere in Louisiana, it's another good reminder that taking a few simple precautions when parking your vehicle can go a long way.
So why are people stealing airbags? Here's what we found out...
Which Honda Models Are Being Targeted?
According to KATC, thieves have been focusing on the driver's-side airbags in several popular Honda models.
Those include:
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Honda HR-V
Honda CR-V
Police say many of the incidents are happening overnight and can take place surprisingly quickly.
Why Would Someone Steal A Car Airbag?
That's the exact question I had when I first read about this...why?
Apparently, airbags have value on the black market, and stolen airbags can be sold for considerably less than the price of a legitimate replacement. That creates an opportunity for criminals looking to make quick money.
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From KATC -
The thieves are often stealing these air bags to sell on the black market. While a brand new replacement airbag could cost around $1,000 at a dealership for the victim, these black market buyers are purchasing stolen ones for significantly less.
And another reason thieves like them is because they're reportedly relatively small and can be removed quickly. Previous investigations into airbag thefts have found that Honda vehicles are particularly attractive targets because the driver's airbag can be removed in a matter of seconds.
Louisiana has plenty of Honda Accords, Civics and CR-Vs cruising around Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, New Orleans and just about everywhere in between.
So it's worth knowing what to watch for.
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How Louisiana Honda Owners Can Protect Their Cars
1. Park somewhere well-lit - If you don't have access to a garage, choose a driveway, parking lot or other location where your vehicle is visible rather than tucked away in a dark corner.
2. Lock your vehicle - It sounds obvious, but always double-check that your doors are locked and your windows are completely closed.
3. Use outdoor cameras if you have them - If you've got a security camera, doorbell camera or other outdoor surveillance system, make sure your vehicle is within its view.
4. Consider additional anti-theft protection - A steering-wheel lock or other visible deterrent may make a thief think twice about targeting your vehicle.
So if you've got a Honda sitting in your driveway tonight, especially an Accord, Civic, HR-V or CR-V, it might be a good time to make sure the doors are locked, the area is well-lit and your security camera is pointed in the right direction.
Read more at KATC.com.
If Lafayette Streets Could Talk, This Is What They'd Tell You
Gallery Credit: Michael Scott
