For Immediate Release: Monday, May 10, 2021
From January 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021, there have been over 90 airbag thefts reported countywide. During the same time period in 2020, there were approximately 18 airbag thefts reported countywide. The majority of airbag thefts are occurring in the 2nd (Bethesda) and 3rd (Silver Spring) Districts.
Why airbags?
Airbags can be expensive to purchase and install. Airbags that are stolen are often sold on the black market. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a new airbag that retails for approximately $1,000 from a car dealer will cost $50 to $200 on the black market. These stolen airbags might be sold as new by a dishonest seller who will charge the customer or the insurance company the full price.
Also, airbags are easy targets. They can be stolen quickly. They are also portable and easy to hide. A suspect can go to a residential parking lot that is secluded or go at a time when few people are using their vehicles (overnight, for example), and break into several cars.
MCP Asks for Your Help
As patrol officers and investigators continue to work to identify suspects responsible for these crimes, we ask for the community’s help in being our eyes and ears. If you observe suspicious activity in a parking lot and believe someone is attempting to break into vehicles, please call police! Just the other day a concerned resident observed a suspect trying vehicle door handles in a residential parking lot and called MCP. Officers responded and observed the suspect entering unlocked vehicles. He was arrested.
How can I help prevent my vehicle from being broken into?
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Lock your vehicle.
- Remove valuables from your vehicle or place them out of sight.
- Install a theft-prevention/steering wheel locking device
- Purchase a car alarm
Some recent airbag thefts in the 2nd (Bethesda) and 3rd (Silver Spring) Districts (not exhaustive list):
On January 18, 2021 – six (6) vehicles in residential parking lots in Silver Spring during the overnight hours: 12300 block of Featherwood Drive, 2000 block of Treetop Lane, 12300 block of Treetop Drive, Featherwood Court
On January 28, 2021 – eight (8) vehicles in a townhome community in Bethesda during the overnight hours – some of the same victims from a theft in December who had installed new airbags: 6600 block of Hillandale Road, 6700 block of Hillandale Road, 4700 block of Chevy Chase Drive, and the 4800 block of Willett Parkway.
On March 18, 2021 – twenty-one (21) vehicles in apartment complexes in Bethesda during overnight hours: 3 Pooks Hill Road, 5160 Pooks Hill Road.
On April 20 – eight (8) vehicles in residential parking lots in Silver Spring during overnight hours: 8201, 8205 and 8333 Grubb Road, 2406 Colston Drive, and 2302 Ashboro Drive.
Detectives from the District Patrol Investigations Units are actively investigating these thefts. Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to call the 2nd District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6726 or contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or online.
Recent Stories
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has released his weekly message to the community. It can be seen below:
John F. Kennedy High School entered into a shelter-in-place on Friday, April 19, after an incident involving a trespasser with a knife.
Montgomery County Police have announced that the department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement this weekend.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Darnestown Road and Vicars Way, between Turkeyfoot Road and Seneca Road in Darnestown on Friday, April 19.
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
