Windows Smashed, Airbags Stolen From 11 Hondas In Arlington: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — A total of 11 cars had their windows smashed and airbags stolen early Wednesday morning along Columbia Pike and in Crystal City, according to the Arlington County Police Department.

All the vehicles that had airbags stolen were Honda models, police said.

These airbag thefts are part of an ongoing trend in Arlington. In late April, about 20 Hondas were broken into in Crystal City and the Aurora Hills neighborhood and had their airbags stolen.

At about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Columbia Pike for the report of a vehicle tampering in progress. When they arrived, police officers found six Hondas that had their windows smashed and their airbags stolen.

The police said they do not have a suspect in the theft of airbags along Columbia Pike.

Later Wednesday morning, at around 6 a.m., police were dispatched to the 2000 block of S. Eads Street in Crystal City for the report of a stolen airbag from a car.

When they arrived, police found five vehicles — all Honda models — with their windows smashed and airbags stolen.

Police are continuing to investigate the stolen airbags in both locations.

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.

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).

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