Airbag thieves strike apartment complex in Coral Springs

Thefts are latest in string of crimes targeting car safety device

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Thieves targeting car airbags struck again Monday in Broward County. 

Sometime during the night, police said, the thieves made off with airbags and driver-side door-locks from three Honda Civics at an apartment complex along Riverside Drive in Coral Springs.

“When I got to the car, I noticed the lock was missing so I opened the car and saw immediately a lot of the wires sticking out of the airbag area," said one victim who did not want to be identified.

The woman had left a purse and iPad inside the car, but they were left untouched.

More than 70 airbag thefts have happened in multiple cities throughout the county in recent months. In November, almost two dozen residents at the Crystal Lake Apartments in Deerfield Beach encountered the same type of theft. 

Authorities said this type of theft in on the rise, particularly with newer model Honda Civics and Acuras, because the airbags can be resold to auto body shops for hundreds of dollars.

Coral Springs police said they were investigating this latest break-in, but officers did not have any suspects. However, police believe the thieves know exactly what they are doing and may work in the automotive industry.

Detectives were asking anyone with information about these airbag thefts to contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. There is a reward of up to $3,000 for tips leading to an arrest.


About the Authors:

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.