Honda owners across eastern Queens are waking up to a nasty surprise: shattered driver-side windows and steering wheels stripped bare where airbags used to be. The NYPD says thieves are zeroing in on specific Honda models, and mechanics warn the fix can easily climb into the thousands.
What the 105th Precinct Posted
In a public alert shared by NYPD 105th Precinct, officers said there has been an uptick in cases where thieves smash driver-side windows, reach in and remove the airbag from Hondas and similar models. The precinct urged owners to keep cars locked and all windows closed, and to sign up for anti-theft programs and use old-school physical deterrents like steering-wheel locks.
The NYPD notes that its vehicle-theft tips page outlines options such as VIN etching, Operation ID and the Combat Auto Theft decal program for residents who want an extra layer of protection; details are available through the NYPD.
Not an Isolated Problem
This is not just a Queens headache. Similar patterns have cropped up in other cities this winter, with Chicago police issuing community alerts after crews ripped steering-wheel airbags from late-model Hondas in neighborhoods across the city. Detectives told NBC Chicago that suspects can pull an airbag in seconds and stressed the value of visible deterrents.
On Chicago's North Side, a February spree in Lakeview was tracked in detail in Hoodline's coverage of the Lakeview airbag ripoff wave, where blocks of parked cars were hit overnight.
Why Airbags Are Worth Stealing
Airbag modules check a lot of boxes for thieves: they are compact, relatively simple to yank from a steering wheel and can be flipped quickly on the black market. The downside lands squarely on owners, who then face parts and labor bills running into the thousands.
A local shop owner timed a removal at roughly 37 seconds and said stolen units sometimes sell for as little as $45 to $200 before being resold for more, a dynamic detailed by WPTV. In New York, mechanics told News 12 that a recent spike in airbag replacements has pushed some repair bills into the low thousands, and dealers urge drivers to buy only sealed, new units to avoid safety risks.
How To Protect Your Car
The NYPD recommends the basics first: lock and secure your vehicle, roll up every window and park in well-lit or high-traffic areas whenever possible. If you have doorbell cameras or building surveillance that might capture suspicious activity, officers say to save it.
For added protection, the department points residents toward tools such as VIN etching, Operation ID and the Combat Auto Theft decal program. Police in other cities also keep coming back to visible deterrents like steering-wheel locks and loud alarms, which can make a parked Honda look like more trouble than it is worth to a thief.
If your car is hit, authorities say to file a report with your local precinct and preserve any video or photo evidence. Insurance companies and the National Insurance Crime Bureau can help if you suspect fraud involving replacement parts. Investigators in the 105th Precinct say they are actively working to track down suspects and are urging neighbors to report any suspicious activity right away.
