Sheriff Alert- Airbags stolen from cars

4/3/14

While most drivers know that car theft is a real risk, many aren’t aware of another vehicle-related crime that can affect their safety along with their auto insurance rates – the risk of having their air bags stolen or being victimized by air bag fraud.

Be aware that we have 6 reports of stolen airbags in 95662 /Orangevale in the last 30 days.

Location stolen from:

Algonquin Way, Deveron Way, Hickory Ave, Vallejo Dr, Pershing Ave

Vehicles taken from:

2 Honda Pilots, (also took stereo DVD player, blue tooth, car registration and insurance paperwork)

3 Honda Accords

1 Acura MDX

4 reports of stolen airbags in 95628/ Fair Oaks in the last 45 days.

Location stolen from north of Sunset:

Dory Way

Locations south of Winding Wy:  43xx Central Ave, Willings Way, Starlight Way

Vehicles taken from:

1 Toyt Prius (also took car manual)

1 Honda Odyssey (also took car navigation system and stereo)

1 Acura MDX (also took part of the dash)

1 Honda Pilot (also took driver rear view mirror w/ back up camera)

3 reports of stolen airbags from 95608/ Carmichael in the first half of February.  No reports since.

Location stolen from:

Grant Ave, Cypress Avenue

Vehicles taken from

1 Toyota Prius (also took car manual)

1 Honda Civic

1 Honda CRX

2 report of stolen airbags from 95864/95825/95821 – Arden in the last 45 days.

American River Dr, Lausen Dr

Vehicle taken from:

1 Toyt Sienna

1 Honda Pilot

0 reports of stolen airbags from 95841/95842/95843/95660/95626/95652/95673/95836

Park in a well-lit location, keep your car locked and don't leave any valuables. Put a steering wheel locking device, like "The Club," on your wheel and it could prevent access to the airbag in some cars.

By looking at the above list, you can see that the airbag black market is particularly specific to certain car makes and models.

If you are involved in a serious crash, that stolen airbag could lead to a severe injury or even death. 

Avoiding repair shop scams can be even harder than avoiding theft. Here are a few tips to make sure your airbag is properly and safely installed: If possible, have the new airbag installed at a dealership. They will have the right airbag for your car and will have mechanics trained to install them.

• If you have doubts, find another mechanic to inspect the airbag. If you're buying a used car, make sure the airbag is on your mechanic's list when he checks the car out for you.
• Look for a fake cover on the airbag. The grain or color might not be a perfect match to the rest of the console.
• Keep an eye on the dashboard warning lights. Some newer cars have airbag indicator lights that signal when there's a problem.
• Use CARFAX or a similar service to get a history of any used vehicle you buy.
• Check the Better Business Bureau for a history of complaints with a repair shop you're considering using.

“A new air bag can cost about $1,000 from a car dealer, so a disreputable repair shop could buy a stolen air bag on the black market for between $50 and $200, charge the customer the market rate and pocket the difference”, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says.

Sherrie Carhart

Crime Prevention Specialist

North Division

scarhart@sacsheriff.com