(WWJ) – Supply chain issues are causing major headaches for many industries, including auto mechanics trying to piece cars back together.
That’s also causing another big problem in Metro Detroit – thefts. Certain parts have become targets for thieves, especially catalytic converters, but there’s a new car part in high-demand: steering columns.
Jeff Mangiapane, who has been in the automotive business for nearly four decades, tells WWJ’s Erin Vee the latest trend for thieves is cut the steering columns out of cars so they can sell airbags on the black market and
“Unfortunately, there’s a market for that, because there’s a long-waiting shortage for parts, even on some of the most common parts that you’d normally be able to get” he said.
Mangiapane says there are some unscrupulous business owners out there who will buy these stolen items because they can get them at a cheaper price. He says it’s difficult to police these types of thefts.
The most commonly targeted cars, Mangiapane says, are Chevy Impalas, Malibus and Equinoxes.
He says clubs and steering wheel locks aren’t as effective as they used to be, as thieves are now cutting the entire steering wheel off now. Anti-theft devices may make things a little tougher for thieves, but he says it just adds a little time but doesn’t entirely protect the vehicle.
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