PD Issues Warning Amid Rise In Airbag Thefts Across Montgomery Co

BETHESDA, MD — Authorities are urging people to lock their car doors and remain vigilant amid a rise in airbag thefts throughout Montgomery County.

In a press release Monday, the Montgomery County Police Department said more than 90 airbags were stolen between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2021. During that same time period in 2020, there were approximately 18 reported airbag thefts.

The department says airbags are easy to steal and hide, portable, and are often sold on the black market.

"According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a new airbag that retails for approximately $1,000 from a car dealer will cost $50 to $200 on the black market," police said. "These stolen airbags might be sold as new by a dishonest seller who will charge the customer or the insurance company the full price."

How can I help prevent my vehicle from being broken into?

Police advise people to:

• Park their vehicle in a well-lit area
• Lock their vehicle
• Remove valuables from their vehicle or place them out of sight
• Install a theft-prevention/steering wheel locking device
• Purchase a car alarm

Recent Airbag Thefts

Police say a majority of recent airbag thefts occurred in Bethesda and Silver Spring. Details of some incidents are provided below:

• Overnight hours of Jan. 18, 2021 – six vehicles in residential parking lots in Silver Spring; 12300 block of Featherwood Drive, 2000 block of Treetop Lane, and 12300 block of Treetop Drive, Featherwood Court
• Overnight hours of Jan. 28, 2021 – eight vehicles in a townhome community in Bethesda...some of the same victims from a theft in December who had installed new airbags; 6600 and 6700 blocks of Hillandale Rd., 4700 block of Chevy Chase Drive, and 4800 block of Willett Parkway
• Overnight hours of March 18, 2021 - 21 vehicles in apartment complexes in Bethesda; 3 Pooks Hill Rd., 5160 Pooks Hill Rd.
• Overnight hours of April 20 – eight vehicles in residential parking lots in Silver Spring; 8201, 8205, and 8333 Grubb Rd., 2406 Colston Drive, and 2302 Ashboro Drive