The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that a new trend in auto theft targets headlights and air bags. Some time ago auto thieves realized that they could make more money by stripping parts from stolen cars and selling them separately. Now that electronic keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal vehicles by driving them away, the thieves are now removing parts and leaving the targeted cars parked.

In the 1980s the parts most often stolen were radios and hubcaps. After manufacturers began selling radios that drivers could easily remove and making hubcaps that could be locked onto cars, thieves turned to headlights and air bags.

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NICB Press Releases