- A disturbing new theft trend is alarming car owners — stolen sensors.
- The sensors are often easy to steal but expensive to replace.
A new and troubling trend has emerged in the auto world. Thieves used to go after easy-to-grab, expensive items, like catalytic converters, but the hottest items are radar sensors from the front of the vehicle.
According to a WUSA9 news report, thieves are increasingly targeting these expensive sensors, reselling them on eBay or Facebook for $100-$150. They then cost drivers thousands to replace.
Related: What’s Making Car Repair So Expensive? Sensors
Purpose of radar sensors
These radar sensors see the world around the vehicle and dictate to the driver assistance systems what to do with the information they collect. For example, if you get too close to the car in front of you, the radar transmits this information to the collision warning system, which displays a signal on the instrument cluster.
Vehicles being targeted
Some brands, like Honda, place the radar sensors behind their front grille badge. With a deft hand, the two screws that secure the “H” badge are removed, and under three minutes, if the thief is experienced, there goes more of your hard-earned money.
It’s easier than stealing a catalytic converter, which involves sliding under the car and, often, using a noisy power tool to cut it out.
Any vehicle can be targeted, but those with sensors behind logos seem to be the easiest. Some Toyotas and Acuras embed their sensors behind the logo. According to a report by NBC Washington, the most targeted vehicle appears to be the Honda CR-V.
What can owners do
Automakers may change designs to make this harder in the future. For those of us who own cars now, there are limited steps we can take.
While there has been a rash of these sensor thefts in the greater Baltimore area, the same tips apply to anyone concerned about it happening to them. Park your car in a garage if you have access to one, or park in a manner that makes access to the front of the vehicle difficult.
