BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem police said Thursday that thieves have been stealing radar sensors from behind the Honda emblem on newer Honda vehicles, most often in Center City.
Officers have taken multiple reports over the past several days, the department said in a Facebook alert. Other incidents were reported in the SouthSide Business District and West Bethlehem. The department did not say how many vehicles were hit or which models.
The sensor is part of the driver-assistance systems that can include adaptive cruise control and collision-mitigation braking. Removing it can set off dashboard warning lights and disable some of those safety features, and repairs can be costly, police said. Washington Township, N.J., police put replacement and recalibration at $1,500 to $4,000 after two thefts from parked Honda CR-Vs in June.
Bethlehem police suggest parking in well-lit areas, in a garage or under camera coverage, and positioning a car to limit access to the grille. They also suggest asking a Honda dealership about anti-theft protection for the sensor.
Police said an owner who finds the emblem or grille damaged or missing, or sees several driver-assistance warning lights come on, should have a technician inspect the car. Anyone with information or camera footage can call the Bethlehem Service Center at 610-865-7000 or email kswider@bethlehem-pa.gov.
The New Jersey department named the CR-V (2023 to present), the Accord (2018 to present) and other Honda models with adaptive cruise control or similar systems as the vehicles most often targeted. It suggested an anti-theft radar sensor bracket, after consulting a qualified mechanic.
Where the radar sits depends on the model and year. Honda’s owner’s guides place it behind the Honda emblem on the 2023 CR-V, Accord and Pilot. The guide for the 2022 CR-V Hybrid puts it inside the front grille, and the 2023 HR-V guide lists no radar sensor.
HondaPro Jason, a Honda product trainer who posts videos about the brand, gives his explanation of why the sensors are targeted in a July video.
In New Jersey, Clifton police and other agencies recovered 54 collision radar sensors, along with airbags and other parts, from a Paterson auto wrecker this month, News 12 New Jersey reported. The operator was charged with maintaining a facility for stolen auto parts, and police have not said where the parts were going.
Honda has said it is not aware of any database that tracks radar sensor thefts and that it studies emerging theft trends and uses that information in its security improvements.
