Shortages in auto parts amid the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a strange trend among criminals looking to make a quick buck – they are targeting Chevy Equinoxes and Malibus to steal the steering wheel, FOX 2 Detroit reports.
In Eastpointe, police took 11 reports of steering wheel thefts on May 2 and 3 alone, the TV station reports. The goal is to get the airbags – which are in short supply – and sell them to auto shops. But as entire steering wheels are lifted, the victims are left in lurch as the replacement can take weeks to months due to shortages arising from the scheme.
Experts suggest using a club lock or disk lock on steering wheels to avoid becoming a victim, the report said. Parking in a garage or a well-lit area can also help.
Read the article at MLIVE.