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A growing crime all across the country could be a danger to every driver on the road as thieves break into cars to get airbags.
It's practically impossible to know what is in your dash which is exactly why some body shops are using stolen airbags. For just about $200 they can get an airbag and then sell it to you for about $1,000.
"It's people like that who give the rest of us a bad name." Shaun Van Steyn gets hot under the hood talking about the cost-cutting measures some car repair shops are now taking by putting stolen airbags in the cars of unsuspecting drivers.
"They could sell it cheap and the customer drives off happy thinking, 'I got a good deal,' until then they'll see what the deal is."
Air bag thefts are a growing crime nationwide. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates more than 75,000 cars were hit in the last year, equalling a loss of about 50 million.
"If someone is determined to take your airbag, they're probably going to be able to do it." Arlington County police said specialized thieves typically strike several cars at once, very quickly. In the busy block of 1800 North Scott Street, 11 vehicles were hit in just hours. Some were even parked in the garage.
Many people aren't even aware of the crime. "It's good to know that's going on. I've never been informed of that before."
Van Steyn is more concerned about the driver who end up with stolen safety equipment which isn't safe at all and they may not know the danger in their dash until it's too late. "Death, death and death. I hope it stops, but I can't see it stopping."
Arlington Police said while you may not be able to prevent air bag thefts, there are things you can do to discourage them like simply locking your doors, setting your alarm, and parking in well-lit areas.
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