Rash of Airbag Thefts Targeting Honda Vehicles in Chicago

Police warn residents about burglaries where suspects stole airbags from late-model Honda cars across multiple neighborhoods.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Chicago police are investigating a series of burglaries in which thieves broke into late-model Honda vehicles and stole the airbags from the steering wheels. Around 20 separate incidents were reported between December 21, 2025 and January 31, 2026 across several neighborhoods in the city.

Why it matters

Airbag theft is a growing problem nationwide, as the components can be resold on the black market for hundreds of dollars. These thefts not only cause property damage, but also pose a serious safety risk to vehicle owners if the airbags are not properly replaced.

The details

According to a community alert, the suspects broke into the Honda vehicles by smashing the driver's side window with a blunt object or pry tool. They then removed the airbags from the steering wheel. The thieves were described as one or two men wearing jumpsuits, possibly driving a red Ford F-150 pickup truck and a black GMC pickup truck.

  • Between December 21, 2025 at 4 p.m. and December 22, 2025 at 8:05 a.m. in the 800 block of West 16th Street (Near West Side)
  • Between December 21, 2025 at 9 p.m. and December 22, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. in the 900 block of West 18th Street (Lower West Side)
  • Between January 30 at 8 p.m. and January 31 at 6 a.m. in the 4900 block of West Cullom Avenue (Portage Park)
  • Between January 30 at 11 p.m. and January 31 at 8:10 a.m. in the 3600 block of North Long Avenue (Portage Park)
  • Between January 30 at 5 p.m. and January 31 at 9 a.m. in the 4900 block of West Montrose Avenue (Portage Park)

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the rash of airbag thefts targeting Honda vehicles in Chicago.

Honda

The automaker whose late-model vehicles were targeted by the thieves in these burglaries.

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What’s next

Chicago police are urging Honda owners to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. The department is also working to identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for these thefts.

The takeaway

Airbag theft is a growing problem that can pose serious safety risks to vehicle owners. This incident highlights the importance of vehicle security and the need for owners to be proactive in protecting their cars from break-ins and theft.