Crime & Safety

Another Spat of Airbag Thefts Has Police Asking or Help; Reward Offered

Car airbags are the new car radios as far as thieves are concerned.

Fairfax County police are asking for help identifying who is responsible for more than 50 airbag thefts this year.

Airbags have become the new radios for car thieves, with replacement costs of up to $500, which doesn't include labor.

The most recent series of thefts were in the Fair Oaks Police District overnight April 4 – 5, and in Annandale overnight April 9 – 10, according to a news release from the Fairfax County Police Department.

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In several cases, the suspects smash the rear window of a vehicle, open the hood of the car to disconnect the battery, then remove the airbag from the steering wheel. Only in a few cases have the cars been unlocked.

Anyone with information about the airbag thefts is asked to call Crime Solvers at1-866-411-TIPS (8477), send a message through www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637). An award of $100 to $1,000 is available to information leading to an arrest. Tips may be anonymous.

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