The wave of airbag thefts that has recently hit Chicago has left many residents facing the expensive reality of vehicle repairs. According to NBC Chicago, over the past couple of weeks, at least 10 car owners found their windows shattered and airbags stolen on the West Side. This alarming series of thefts has prompted warnings from the Chicago Police Department, pointing to a troubling pattern targeting specific car models, particularly Honda Civics and Accords.
Police describe the suspects involved in this crime spree as one or two Black men of unknown ages, with one being seen wearing black clothing and a black surgical mask. As reported by NBC Chicago, a vehicle owner, Miriam Koshaba, expressed her dismay having been one of the victims: "My car is not gonna be repaired until Tuesday. This is crazy," and noted that merely cash left in the center console was overlooked by the thieves in favor of the airbag, stating, "they only wanted the airbag."
The growing concern for car owners echoes incidents reported on the North and South Sides, as outlined by CBS News. Chicago's troubling trend is not an isolated case, with Baltimore and Pittsburgh also reporting similar thefts. Vehicle owners in Chicago, now wary, have been advised by law enforcement and auto mechanics to take precautions like parking in well-lit areas, using a reputable source for replacement airbags, and considering steering wheel locks, which necessitate the thieves to saw through them, making the theft more challenging.
In light of these events, local garages are also experiencing the fallout. Matt Tefka, owner of Fulton-Des Plaines Garage & Service, explained to NBC Chicago that stealing airbags is a quick yet lucrative crime. "If these guys can steal 10 [airbags] a night and sell them for a few hundred dollars, they're making some solid money," Tefka said. For those with information on the West Side airbag thefts, Chicago police are urging contact with Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8263 or Area 5 detectives at 312-746-7394, or to submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com with the respective reference numbers.
