Multiple vehicles targeted for air bags in Yonkers

YONKERS, New York (WABC) -- Multiple vehicles were targeted for their air bags in Yonkers Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

A total of eight Hondas were reported to have their airbags stolen in the 500 block of Bronx River Road. Most of the incidents occurred between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and one was reportedly caught on camera.

Car owners woke up Wednesday morning to find damaged keyholes and cracked open steering wheels, and Jarrod Robinson said his girlfriend's car was targeted.

"I thought the radio was gonna be gone, but it was still there," he said. "The car next to us, their trunk was popped, so I just happened to look. And then my girl told me later that car right there was hit as well. And then while she was waiting for the tow truck, people were just coming around. There was a couple up there, couple down there. It's just ridiculous."

Residents say the bandits tend to hit every year around the summer, because that's when the trees block their view. It's also a somewhat secluded and noisy location, because on the other side is the Bronx River Parkway.

"I've had a car stolen here twice," resident Barbara Williams said. "My daughter had one. But I've been here 35 years, so it's been going on forever."

Mechanics say Hondas are frequent targets because most of the manufacturer's parts are interchangeable. But as far as stolen airbags, that is not as common as it used to be.

"I would say back in the day, they used to, because we could buy them," said Maurizio Marmo, of Quality Body Works. "But we can't buy them no more...(They sell them) overseas, I believe. That's what I was told."

Stolen airbags can fetch a few hundred dollars, but it can cost car owners about $1,000 to replace.

Police has beefed up patrols in the area since the reports were made.

Any residents who observe suspicious activity or anyone with information on the thefts are asked to call the Yonkers Police Department's Communications Division at 914-377-7900.