Why are BMW steering wheels stolen?

Industry experts say steering wheels have become the new target, with research showing they steal the items to remove and sell airbags or to sell as a complete unit.

Why are people stealing BMW steering wheel?

You might wonder why a thief would take a steering wheel, but it's what's inside they're really after. We understand that they're being stolen for the airbags housed inside them. “Airbag theft is a relatively new phenomenon, as criminals look for new ways to make money from stolen car parts during the pandemic.”

Why are people stealing steering wheels and airbags?

A low supply of replacement airbags being shipped to car repair facilities is causing back logs, so enterprising thieves are stealing the steering wheels to get to the air bag, which they then sell to unscrupulous repair shops.

Why are people stealing steering wheels UK?

Thieves are removing steering wheels for the valuable airbags they contain to take advantage of airbag supply chain issues linked to wider car part shortages. BMWs are found to be commonly targeted.

Do BMWs get stolen a lot?

Compared to the likes of Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet, the theft numbers do not compare for BMW. It made no particular list for most stolen vehicles in Canada and neither in the US. Granted, a lot of the car nabbing has to do with taking parts, however the BMW tends to be on the safer side.

Thieves Steal Steering Wheel

How do thieves steal BMWs?

They send a signal from your pocket to your car that you have the key fob, so the car obeys your instructions. However, thieves can buy a so-called relay box online. It extends the signal from your key fob and bounces is to someone near the car, who then jumps in and drives off with it.

Do Thieves Target BMW?

Modern cars, like the BMW 3 Series and Tesla Model S, have impeccable security features that make them nearly impossible to steal. Modern anti-theft technologies have played a massive role in deterring thieves and lowering crime rates.

Why are airbags being stolen from cars?

Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims, explains why she thinks these incidents are increasing: “The rise in thefts has been higher in the last couple of years as the factories that produce airbags have been impacted by the pandemic, either shutting down permanently or struggling to keep up with demand once they reopen.

How much are airbags worth?

After a significant accident, expect the total cost of replacing your air bags to range from $1,000 to $6,000, with most bills averaging $3,000 to $5,000. The average driver-side air bag can cost $250 to $800 in parts alone, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.

Can a steering wheel lock be broken?

Car thieves will find the weakest part of a steering wheel lock and exploit it. Some models even feature plastic in crucial areas that make it easy enough to break the lock, rendering the entire thing useless.

Is wheel theft common?

Wheel and tyre thefts are widely reported and a common problem for many car owners but do you know if your car is at risk? A car thief can remove one tyre within 16 seconds, leaving your car on blocks and unable to be driven.

Why do people steal alloy wheels?

“The modern fashion is for big wheels and skinny tyres, but a thin tyre means the metal of the wheel is below kerb height and these expensive wheels are easily scraped, even by careful parkers. Hence the market for stolen alloy wheels, even those fitted as standard.

Do wheel locks really prevent theft?

Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft.

Which is better steering lock or pedal lock?

Steering locks are readily available

For this reason, our money is firmly on the steering lock as the preferred, hassle-free theft-foiling device. And talking of money, they are generally cheaper than a pedal lock and much more readily available.

What triggers the anti theft system in car?

The Anti-theft alarm system works with the help of sensors installed in and around the vehicle. An impact or the movements inside the car activates the sensors. It, in turn, triggers the alarm system and sounds the alarm. Finally, the alarm goes off and alerts the owner/people.

How do I protect my BMW from theft?

Can a BMW be stolen without the key?

Yes, in many circumstances keyless cars are easier to steal. That said, it also depends on the particular model, as well as the situation. Some models have keyless entry that unlocks the doors when the key is close-by but still have a conventional key that is physically put in the ignition to start the car.

How can I stop my BMW from being stolen?

What's the hardest car to steal?

Can you start BMW without key?

Will a BMW start with a dead key fob? If your BMW key fob's battery has run out, you won't be able to unlock your vehicle remotely or, if your BMW has Comfort Access, use keyless entry. However, you can still access and start your car manually.

Can a BMW key be cloned?

Key cloning is done in two methods. The most common method is where a drivers window is broken or the door lock is picked, once this has been done the thief will put there arm through the window and plug in a small black box to the vehicles OBD port. After 30 seconds a new key will be cloned into the vehicle.

Why are Honda tires stolen?

Foulds said the stolen tires are most likely sold on the black market. “They are selling to other Honda owners who want the nice tires, but they don't want to pay the premium price,” Foulds said. “It's not just the tires. They are taking the wheels, the rims, everything.”