Thieves Break Into 20 Hondas In Arlington, Steal Airbags: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — About 20 Hondas were broken into in two areas of Arlington this week and had their airbags stolen, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

Shortly before 6 a.m. on Thursday, police officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of 28th Street S. in Aurora Hills and to the 600 block of 26th Street S. in Crystal City for reports of the car break-ins.

Police determined that between about 4:49 a.m. on Wednesday and 5:36 a.m. on Thursday, suspects forced entry into about 20 vehicles, all identified as Honda models, and stole airbags. The two neighborhoods are less than a mile apart.

Officials say airbags are easy targets because they can be stolen quickly. And then they can be sold on the black market for $200.

Officials are not certain why Honda airbags are being targeted by thieves. One theory points to millions of Hondas being recalled in recent years because of problems with their airbags. This has caused auto suppliers to scramble to make the new airbags.

The thieves could be stealing newer airbags from Hondas and then selling them to questionable repair shops or unsuspecting online customers at a price far below the $2,000 cost of replacing them, USA Today reported.

The police said they do not have any suspect descriptions in this week's airbag thefts in Arlington.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact the Police Department's Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTipline@arlingtonva.us, or anonymously through the Arlington County Crime Solvers hotline at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).