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Police report wave of vehicle airbag thefts in Bethesda, Silver Spring
More than 90 reported in first four months of 2021 Bethesda Beat Staff |
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Montgomery County police on Monday said they’ve seen a notable increase in the number of vehicle airbags stolen from vehicles throughout Montgomery County most commonly Bethesda and Silver Spring in 2021.
In a press release on Monday, the police department wrote that there were 18 airbag thefts from Jan. 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020.
In the same period this year, there have been 90.
The police department wrote that on March 18, airbags were stolen from 21 vehicles in apartment complex parking lots on Pooks Hill Road overnight.
Police Concerned About Rise in Air Bag Thefts
Police have serious concerns about a recent increase in airbag thefts. From January 1 to April 30, 2021, authorities say there have been more than 90 airbag thefts reported countywide – specifically in the areas of Bethesda and Silver Spring.
Why airbags? Montgomery County Police say airbags can be expensive to purchase and install. Stolen airbags are often sold on the black market. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a new airbag that retails for about $1,000 from a car dealer will cost $50 to $200 on the black market. Police say stolen airbags might be sold as new by someone who will charge the customer or the insurance company full price.
Crimes reported to Montgomery County police April 11 through 17 By Dan Schere |
Photo by Caitlynn Peetz
Thefts from vehicles
Money and property were taken from a vehicle in the area of East West Highway and Beach Drive between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 17. Force was reported.
Property was taken from two vehicles between April 13 and 16. The thefts happened in the 4800 block of Bethesda Avenue and the 4700 block of Maple Avenue. Force was reported.
Property was taken from three vehicles between April 6 and 14. Affected streets included Pratt Place, Shaftsbury Street and Mertford Street.
Property was taken from a vehicle in the 4700 block of Bradley Boulevard between 2:10 and 2:30 p.m. on April 13. Force was reported.