Not long ago, Americans were dealing with widespread catalytic converter thefts targeting vehicles parked right on public streets.
It wasn’t long ago that car owners across the U.S. were grappling with mass catalytic converter thefts, as criminals brazenly crawled under vehicles parked on city streets. Now, thieves have found a new “gold mine” — radar sensors hidden behind the front emblems of many newer vehicles.
These components can be removed in seconds and resold for hundreds of dollars, leaving owners of modern cars increasingly exposed.
The problem has become especially noticeable in New York City. Residents of the Bronx report that cars are frequently being stripped in parking lots, particularly models where the radar unit sits directly behind the badge. A wide range of newer vehicles are affected, including models from Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz.
The method is simple: a flathead screwdriver, a quick pry, and the emblem pops off — exposing the radar module underneath.
A TikTok creator known as “Mr. Don’t Park in the Bronx” recently demonstrated the vulnerability using his own Honda Accord. In the video, he shows that accessing the radar takes less than 30 seconds. While he removes the part for safekeeping, thieves are reportedly using the same technique to steal sensors from unsuspecting owners and resell them.
Detective Max Goldberg of the Yonkers Police Department told Road & Track that interest in radar thefts began rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crimes are often organized: one group removes the sensors while another quickly sells them to repair shops.
Goldberg specifically highlighted Honda models, noting that in some cases the radar units are secured with simple plastic clips, making removal especially easy. Other brands also place radar modules behind the emblem, though in some cases removal is more complicated — and therefore less attractive to thieves.
According to Goldberg, this type of crime offers low risk and high reward. It requires minimal tools, and demand from repair shops — particularly in the Bronx — remains strong. Even if the plastic trim cracks during removal, that’s a minor issue. The housing is inexpensive; the radar module itself is what carries real value.
As thefts increase, anti-theft covers with tamper-resistant screws have started appearing on the market. However, Goldberg argues that a more effective solution must come from automakers themselves — for example, programming radar units to lock electronically once removed from the original vehicle, rendering them useless. Such a move could significantly disrupt the black market.
And this isn’t just a local issue. Police in Washington, D.C. have also reported a rise in similar thefts nationwide. In Baltimore, according to data cited by WUSA9, eight incidents were recorded in the Southeast District in just the past month. Authorities believe the true number may be higher, as not all cases are reported.