Ottawa police reporting over a dozen airbag thefts targeting Honda Civics

The Ottawa Police Service is warning of a recent spike in airbag thefts targeting late model Honda Civics in Ottawa's east end during the week of April 14, 2025. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service is warning of a recent spike in airbag thefts targeting late model Honda Civics in the city’s east end.

Police say they received over a dozen reports of airbags being stolen from vehicles parked outdoors on the week of April 14.

“In each incident, the targeted vehicles appeared largely undamaged, with no other items reported missing by the majority of complainants,” police said in a news release Wednesday.

Many of the vehicles had alarm systems installed and were locked at the time of the thefts.

Police in Gatineau, Que. are also investigating a similar string of thefts targeting Civics. Incidents were reported in the city of Gatineau and in Masson-Angers.

An investigation is ongoing.

Ottawa police are providing several tips to prevent airbag theft, including:

• Parking in well-lit, secure areas or garages when possible
• Using a steering wheel lock to deter theft
• Installing an alarm system or dash camera with motion detection
• Being alert for signs of tampering around your vehicle

Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Neighbourhood Resource Team A/Sergeant Wayne Clayton at 613-236-1222 ext. 2980.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond