Overview
- Chicago police say 24 Hondas were hit between Monday evening and Tuesday morning across several Lakeview blocks, with steering‑wheel airbags removed.
- Detectives report three active crews, including a suspected two‑man team using a red Ford F‑150 and a black GMC pickup bearing stolen license plates.
- Targets are typically 2016–2021 Honda Civics, with thieves breaking a driver’s window and pulling the airbag in seconds.
- Stolen airbags commonly resell online for about $120–$400, while factory replacements run around $1,000 and legitimate parts face weeks‑to‑months backlogs.
- Police urge owners to use steering‑wheel locks, park in well‑lit or secure areas, and submit tips to Area detectives or CPDTIP.com using reference 26‑CWP‑004C.