Police: Airbag Thefts Come in Waves, Thieves Resell Them

Thefts of airbags haven't been common in Pikesville before 11 were stolen July 1 in the Greenspring area. But nationwide and in Baltimore County, it's not an uncommon crime, police said. 

In Baltimore County, the crime comes in waves, similar to the night of thefts we saw in Pikesville, said Det. Cathleen Batton, spokeswoman for the Baltimore County Police Department.

"We tend to see cases like this where there are multiple vehicles targeted in a short period of time, then there may be a lull and it may occur in a different part of the county," she said Monday.

Lt. Michael DiCara, assistant commander at the Baltimore County Police Department's Pikesville Precinct is familiar with the crime. "I think airbag thefts have been occurring since airbags became standard equipment in cars," he said Wednesday.

However, he said he doesn't recall another airbags theft occurring here during the past two years.

Overnight June 30 to July 1, thieves stole driver's-side airbags from 11 vehicles in the Rockland Hills and Old Pimlico drives area of town.

They targeted Acura TSXs, Acura RDXs or Honda Civic sedans on nine streets in that area, according to a police report. See the attached map for details.

Airbags are stolen, just the same as other auto parts, usually for resale, DiCara explained.

Batton said auto shops or other outlets buy them, sometimes driving the market for these types of thefts.

According to State Farm, vehicle owners must get a new airbag whenever one deploys in a crash.

"A thief can steal an air bag and sell it at a low price—say, $200— to an unethical repair-shop owner, who then charges the customer the standard price for a replacement bag—maybe $1,000 or more—and makes a sizable profit," the State Farm website states.

DiCara asks residents who see suspicious activity, including unknown vehicles or unknown people hanging out near cars especially late at night, to call 911 so police can investigate.

Reporting suspicious activity to 911 is important, not only to protect your airbag, but the vehicle as well, Batton said.

"These thieves will damage vehicles to steal airbags," unlike many other burglars who are only looking for the opportunity to steal something, and will target unlocked vehicles, she said.

"We recommend always lock your vehicle and stay alert to suspicious activity."