Why Airbag Thefts Are Suddenly Surging in Illinois

Have you seen headlines about vehicle airbag thefts and thought, "Wait...airbags? Really?" Well, you're not alone, and it's becoming a frustrating problem in Illinois.

Rise of Airbag Thefts in Illinois

When I first heard that thieves were going around stealing catalytic converters from cars around the Rockford area, I didn't think things could get more ridiculous, but they just did.

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At the beginning of April, Chicago Police warned residents about a rise in vehicle airbag thefts on the city's North Side and shared this surveillance video showing how quickly thieves strike:

Now, only a few weeks later, vehicle airbag thefts are still happening in concerning numbers, and the problem is spreading across the city.

WGN-TV reports:

In an update on April 27, CPD cautioned locals in the South Side neighborhoods of Washington Park, Fuller Park, Hyde Park and Bronzeville about airbag thefts targeting both Honda and Hyundai vehicles.

Considering the rate at which airbag thefts are taking place in Chicago, it's only a matter of time before the problem spreads throughout Illinois, and we need to be cautious.

Why Are Thieves Stealing Vehicle Airbags?

I don't have a criminal mind, so why thieves would want to steal airbags out of cars doesn't make sense to me.

Airbags might seem like a pointless thing to steal, but if you've ever been in a car accident that deployed your airbags, you know replacing them isn't cheap.

Apparently, airbags are a hot commodity on the black market, and stealing them only takes a few minutes.

Once stolen, airbags are often resold to shady repair operations or unsuspecting buyers, but there are a few things you can do to avoid becoming a theft victim.

How to Protect Your Car From Airbag Theft

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof solution for vehicle theft, but there are some things you can do to make your car less appealing to thieves.

• Park in well-lit and high traffic areas
• Install or activate a car alarm system.
• And...most importantly, use a steering wheel lock that blocks access to the airbags.

Airbag theft is weird and annoying, but the reality is, it could cost you thousands. So, protect yourself now before thieves get your car in their sights.