Dozens Of Cars Vandalized At Baldwin Apartment Complex

BALDWIN, PA — Police are investigating the smashing of dozens of car windows at a borough apartment complex.

About 40 cars were vandalized at the Alden South Hills in Baldwin. According to WPXI-TV, Honda vehicles were the ones mostly targeted.

In March, similar crimes occurred in nearby Dormont. Hondas again were the primary target, with thieves stealing the airbags out of the vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, insurance industry statistics show that approximately 50,000 airbags are stolen each year -- resulting in an annual loss of more than $50 million to vehicle owners and their insurers.

According to the agency airbags are popular on the black market for stolen vehicle parts. A new airbag, which retails for approximately $1,000 from a car dealer, costs between $50 - $200
on the black market.

Because of their portability, airbags can be easily removed and installed as “new” by unscrupulous collision repair shops. The dishonest operators then charge the vehicle owner or their insurer the full price for the replacement, thus committing insurance fraud.

Baldwin Police are investigating.