Thieves steal airbags from several Hondas in Lakeview

Airbags were stolen from multiple cars overnight on Chicago's North Side, the latest in a string of thefts in recent months targeting Hondas.

Thieves broke the windows of several cars in Lakeview and ripped out the airbags from the steering wheels.

Hondas were targeted in the 700 block of West Cornellia Avenue, the 700 block of West Aldine Avenue, and the 3400 block of North Elaine Place.

Some took to social media, alerting the neighborhood that the same thing happened to a Honda at the intersection of Barry and Racine avenues.

Earlier this week, Chicago police warned of 22 similar airbag thefts targeting Honda Civics in the Austin, Humboldt Park, East Garfield Park, and Tri-Taylor neighborhoods since mid-January.

One of those thefts was caught on camera, which showed a thief climb into the rear passenger side window, steal the airbag, and climb back out in less than two minutes before tossing the airbag in the trunk of a getaway car and driving off.

Police are still investigating the thefts. So far, no arrests have been made.

Similar strings of airbag thefts also have been reported earlier this year in Hyde Park on the South Side and in Lakeview and Uptown on the North Side.

Chicago is the latest city to have reported airbag thefts, following Baltimore and Pittsburgh.  

Police have said thieves are specifically targeting 2016 to 2021 Honda Civics. Experts said stolen airbags are often resold – either to unscrupulous auto shops or straight to unsuspecting consumers.

Replacing a stolen airbag can cost up to $4,000. Experts have said the best way to protect yourself is with a steering wheel club that blocks the airbag. Thieves would have to cut that off first.

If your airbag is stolen, your best bet is to take it to an ASE-certified auto repair shop.