Airbag thefts have become a significant concern in Chicago, with many residents falling victim to this crime. Rebecca Lang, a resident of Avondale, had her car’s airbag stolen in April, leaving her with a $500 insurance deductible and a lengthy repair process.

A Growing Problem

The rise in airbag thefts has been particularly notable in the Northwest Side, with many Honda owners being targeted. The thieves often strike at night, smashing car windows to steal the airbags, which can cost up to $1,000. Stolen airbags are then sold on the black market for $3,000-$5,000.

Jose Luis Arroyo, another resident of Logan Square, had his wife’s 2020 Honda CRV’s airbag stolen in March. He expressed frustration with the lack of response from the police, who seemed uninterested in investigating the crime.

A Proposed Solution

A new ordinance, sponsored by Ald. Gilbert Villegas, aims to curb the black market sales of stolen airbags. The ordinance would raise fines on businesses that sell stolen airbags and require a dated invoice for when an airbag is removed from a car. This measure is seen as a first step towards stopping airbag thefts and holding resellers accountable.

Ald. Ruth Cruz, whose ward has also been heavily affected by the thefts, supports the measure, stating that it could reduce demand for stolen airbags by limiting who sells them. The ordinance is set to face a full council vote and, if passed, would require an additional enforcement plan for auto shops.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.