Airbag Thefts Skyrocket In Illinois This Year

A record number of airbags have been stolen from cars in Illinois so far this year, and it doesn't look like there's any relief in sight.

Thousands Of Airbags Have Been Stolen Out Of Cars In Illinois Already In 2026

For as long as I can remember, vehicles have always been a target of thieves. Not just the automobiles themselves, but also the accessories and parts on the cars. I remember when I was a kid, the 8-track tape player was stolen from my dad's ride. My mom had her hubcaps ripped off. Not too long ago, stealing catalytic converters was the hottest item. Now, there is something new in Illinois.

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According to ABC 7 Eyewitness News Chicago...

The number of airbag thefts in Chicago has skyrocketed in recent months, and now, the city is working to penalize the people buying them on the black market.

 

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Thieves in Illinois are stealing airbags. I'm surprised, but not surprised. The criminals will steal anything if they believe there is money to be made. This is how bad it has gotten. Combined in 2023, 2024, and 2025, only 147 airbags were stolen in Illinois. So far, halfway through the year, there have been 2073 airbags reported stolen. That's a huge jump.

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Hopefully, you won't have it happen to you. I can only imagine how much damage the thieves will do to a vehicle, just by stealing the airbags. They are selling the items on the black market for good money. Since they are so expensive, I'm guessing some victims are replacing them that way. What are we going to have to have a giant force field around our vehicles from now on?