Pittsburgh residents, particularly those living in Zones 4 and 5, are facing a spate of vehicular thefts, but it's not the usual valuables that are being taken. Instead, thieves are targeting airbags from specific Honda Civic models, a concern lately brought forward by the Pittsburgh Police. In a span of just two nights, ten airbags have been reported stolen – four from the Bloomfield area and six between Shadyside and Point Breeze neighborhoods, as detailed in a recent report from the Pittsburgh Public Safety Blotter.
While the tactic is not new, the concentration of such thefts in a short period has prompted an investigation. The thieves, showing a blatant disregard for property, are smashing through the driver's side windows to access and remove the airbags housed within the steering column. In most of these cases, the vehicles were likely an easier target because their doors were left unlocked, or windows were open, giving the perpetrators easy entry.
As an immediate measure to deter such crimes, Pittsburgh Police are advising residents to keep their vehicle doors locked, and windows closed. Additionally, investing in a steering wheel locking device, commonly known as an anti-theft club, is also recommended.
To aid their investigation, the police are requesting anyone with information, especially potential video evidence, to contact Zone 4 at (412) 422-6520 or Zone 5 at (412) 665-3605.
