At a Glance
- Thieves steal small radar sensors from behind front plates and emblems
- Owners face replacement costs of $2,000-$3,000
- Thieves resell parts for as little as $150
- Why it matters: Quick theft can cost drivers thousands in repairs
Car radar sensors-tiny devices hidden behind front plates or automaker emblems-control features like cruise control and collision avoidance. Thieves now target these parts for fast cash, leaving owners with repair bills that dwarf the resale value.
Daniel J. Whitman reported the trend for News Of Los Angeles after reviewing surveillance footage that shows thieves popping hoods and snatching sensors in seconds. The crimes have prompted stepped-up neighborhood patrols.
How the Sensors Work and Why Thieves Want Them
Modern vehicles rely on radar sensors to:
- Maintain adaptive cruise control
- Trigger collision-avoidance braking
- Alert drivers to blind-spot hazards
“There’s a lot of bells and whistles on cars that people don’t realize they have,” said Oleg Lurye, production manager at National Auto Body in Rockville, Maryland.
Lurye explained that a thief can remove the sensor in under a minute and flip it online. Demand runs especially high for sensors from certain Honda CRVs, though other makes are also hit.
Costly Damage for Owners
While thieves pocket roughly $150 per sensor, owners get stuck with:
- Replacement parts
- Recalibration of safety systems
- Labor charges
“Roughly speaking I would say between 2 to $3,000 at least,” Lurye said.
The bill climbs higher if thieves damage the mounting bracket, wiring harness, or emblem during the theft.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
Police and body-shop staff recommend layered deterrents:
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas
- Use a locked garage when possible
- Install radar-sensor guards that cost up to $50 online
- Consider motion-detector driveway lights
Guards bolt over the sensor, adding minutes to a thief’s timeline and often prompting them to move on to an easier target.
News Of Los Angeles‘s investigation found no single pattern to thefts-residential driveways, shopping lots, and dealer service bays have all been hit-so drivers should stay alert regardless of location.
Key Takeaways
- Radar sensors are small but essential to modern safety systems
- Thieves can net $150 while owners pay $2,000-$3,000 to fix the damage
- Simple precautions like sensor guards and secure parking can deter theft
