- Thieves now target radar sensors behind emblems.
- A TikToker shows radar theft in under 30 seconds.
- Many stolen radars are resold to NYC repair shops.
Not too long ago, the US saw a dramatic surge in catalytic converter thefts, with criminals crawling under cars in broad daylight. Now, some thieves have started targeting the expensive radar systems fitted as standard to many new cars. These components can be removed in seconds and resold for hundreds of dollars.
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As modern vehicles increasingly rely on advanced driver assistance systems, they’ve effectively become rolling sensor platforms, and that hardware carries real value.
Vehicle radar theft appears to be a particularly serious problem in New York City, according to local residents in the Bronx. Many new cars, especially from brands such as Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz, have small radar sensors positioned behind their front emblems. Stealing them is surprisingly simple.
An Easy Target In Plain Sight
As detailed by the TikToker, who refers to himself as ‘Mr. Don’t Park in the Bronx,’ all a thief has to do is put a flathead screwdriver behind the emblem and pop it out, exposing the radar.
Demonstrating on his own 2024 Honda Accord, he quickly removes the radar for safekeeping. Thieves use the same method, but with less honorable intentions, taking the sensors from unsuspecting owners and reselling them.
@lynxalwaysright The troubles of parking your #2024 #Honda #Accord in #TheBronx Thank me later!!! #NYC #hondaaccord #hondacivic #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – LYNXALWAYSRIGHT
Why Radar Sensors Attract Thieves
While recently speaking with Road & Track, Yonkers Police Department detective specialist Max Goldberg revealed that car radar thefts grew in popularity during Covid-19. In many cases, groups work together to remove the sensors and then sell them to repair shops.
He noted that certain models, particularly Hondas, are frequent targets because their sensors are often secured with little more than basic plastic clips. Other brands may also position the radar behind the emblem, but the removal process can be more involved, making them less attractive in a quick smash-and-grab situation.
“We do see a large amount of parts theft—so whether it’s air bags, sensors or what have you, we do see a lot of that,” he said.
“Sensors specifically—that is a low-risk, high-reward [crime] for the suspect. They sell pretty well; all the shops, especially in the Bronx, need them. They don’t really care where they come from, and you don’t need anything other than a flat-head screwdriver to pop out the sensor. And even if the housing around the sensor cracks, that housing is extremely cheap; the sensors, that’s the important part.”
Protective Covers Enter The Market
Given how common these thefts have become, some firms have begun developing protective covers for the sensors, complete with anti-theft screws.
Goldberg believes a more effective long-term solution would come from automakers themselves, suggesting manufacturers design systems that automatically deactivate once removed from the vehicle. Rendering the hardware useless, he argues, would undercut the black market overnight.
A Nationwide Issue
It’s not just in New York City where these thefts are occurring. Across the country, police in Washington say there’s been a spike in radar sensor theft. Speaking with WUSA9, police in Baltimore said eight radar sensor thefts had been reported in the city’s Southeast District over the past month, and there are probably many others that have gone unreported.
