Introduction
Police in Upper Merion Township have issued a warning to Honda owners following a spike in car thefts targeting specific models.
Targeted Vehicles
Newer models of Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V are being targeted by thieves who have found a way to manipulate the cars’ computer systems.
Theft Method
According to police, the thieves do not require original keys or key fobs to steal the cars. The theft process takes approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Affected Areas
The thefts have predominantly occurred in apartment complexes, with Gulph Mills Village on South Henderson Road being notably affected. Two tenants from this development have reported issues.
Rising Trend
Police report that these incidents have been increasing over the past two months, prompting them to issue the warning.
Safety Recommendations
Authorities recommend Honda owners take precautions, including subscribing to the HondaLink tracking service and placing an Apple AirTag in their vehicles. They also urge residents to report any suspicious activity.
Increase in Theft Statistics
The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports a 44% increase in thefts of Honda Accords in Pennsylvania between 2020 and 2022, and a 9% increase for Honda Civics.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are currently investigating fewer than a dozen cases but hope that raising awareness will help prevent the issue from escalating further.
Conclusion
Upper Merion police are actively working to curb the trend of Honda thefts by informing the public and encouraging preventive measures.