Airbag Theft Spree Recorded In Anne Arundel County, Police Say

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Residents across Anne Arundel County are being put on alert after numerous cars recently had their airbags stolen.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said Tuesday that the first theft reports surfaced Monday in Glen Burnie, along Americana Circle.

At the scene, investigators determined "multiple" airbags were stolen from Hondas overnight. Officers reported that an additional seven thefts were traced to Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton, as well as parts of Crofton.

No arrests have been announced in the cases.

Residents are being asked by the police department to preserve and provide any security footage they may have captured of suspicious behavior in areas where the thefts occurred.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states the thefts are part of a growing trend where stolen airbags are resold to collision repair shops to commit insurance fraud.

Investigators in Anne Arundel County are urging residents to take the following precautions:

• Park in a well-lit and visible location whenever a garage is unavailable
• Ensure all doors are locked and windows are closed
• Use a visible steering-wheel lock or other anti-theft device as an added deterrent
• Consider an alarm equipped with glass-break or impact detection
• Ensure exterior lighting and security cameras cover the vehicle
• Do not leave valuables or charging cables visible inside the vehicle
• Report suspicious activity promptly and do not confront suspicious individuals

Anyone who captures a theft in progress is urged to call the police and not engage with involved individuals. Past thefts can be reported to the non-emergency line at (410) 222-8610 or by filing a report online.

The county is providing steering wheel locks to residents while supplies last.