It takes mere moments to tear out the component, and upwards of $4,000 to replace it.
A swift theft at Ron Tonkin Honda in Southeast Portland left 17 cars without crucial safety components. On December 12, in just 10 minutes, a thief removed sensors from vehicles parked on the dealership’s lot, according to General Manager Dan Kiekenapp. Adaptive cruise control systems rely on the component, as it helps drivers automatically maintain safe distances between cars.
The ease of removing the sensors is a major concern
The Oregonian posted security footage from the Portland dealership. In it, someone quickly darts from bumper to bumper, squatting down to yank the sensor out before moving on to the next parked Honda.
Replacing the stolen parts isn’t cheap
The cost of a new sensor can run up to $4,000, depending on the car model and the extent of damage caused during the theft, OregonLive said. Repairing the Honda dealership’s 17 cars is estimated to exceed $50,000, Kiekenapp noted. He emphasized that customer vehicles are the immediate priority, as the dealership has already handled 40 to 50 recent cases of sensor theft.
The problem isn’t limited to the dealership. Portland police report a rising trend of similar crimes, with 18 cases reported since mid-November. Most incidents have occurred in Southeast Portland, in neighborhoods bordered by Southeast Stark Street, Woodstock Boulevard, Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard, and Southeast 82nd Avenue.
Kiekenapp speculates the surge in thefts is a short-lived trend, as these sensors are difficult to resell. Nonetheless, the dealership isn’t taking any chances. To deter future thefts, Kiekenapp increased security measures, raising the monthly budget from $16,000 to $27,000.
Thieves likely target these parts to sell them online, despite the challenges of finding buyers. Police are urging Honda owners to take precautions. Parking in a garage or in positions that block access to the front of the car can help reduce the risk of theft.
