Crime & Safety

Airbag Thefts: 4 Targeted Car Brands

Plus, 4 safety tips to avoid theft and 5 tips to avoid repair fraud, provided by Herndon Police.

Concerned about airbag thefts increasing in the Herndon area, local police are warning car owner, and offering tips on how to protect yourself from fraud and theft.

Thieves have been smashing car windows to get to the air bags. Often, they'll disable the car alarm, according to Herndon Police.

Because of the ability to easily resale the air bags, police have identified four of the more popular car brands that have been targeted: Honda, Nissan, Acura and Toyota.

Arlington Police, in particular, have noted significant airbag thefts. In January, airbags were stolen from at least 9 vehicles in North Arlington. Airbags were stolen from more than a dozen cars in Arlington over one night in April.

Herndon Police offer these safety tips:

  • Lock your vehicle at all times and don’t leave valuables inside. 
  • Park in a well-lit area or keep a light on in the front of the home. 
  • Always ensure that your vehicle alarm is working. 
  • Report any suspicious activity, such as unusual people/vehicles and loud noises, to the police. 

And there are other things you can do to protect yourself when replacing an airbag, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau:

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  • Use a reputable automobile collision repair shop that employs ASE-certified mechanics. 
  • Inspect the invoice to ensure the repair shop purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, dealer, or certified recycler 
  • If possible, inspect the airbag prior to installation. If new, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer. 
  • The trim cover over the steering column should be the same color as the remaining trip interior. If not, it is an indication that the original airbag has been replaced. 
  • When you turn on your vehicle’s ignition, a red SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicator should light up and flash in the instrument panel display, indicating the airbag system is activated. No SRS light indicates a problem with the airbag system that could result in no airbag activation.


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