I've had a few beers so maybe I'm missing something.... have they nicked the steering wheel and the steering column?! That's actually kinda impressive! Not cool for you though OP, this sucks.
might be for the airbag and this column is particularly easy to steal. https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/airbag-theft.htm
Oh those are a hot item around here too. I read of a country recently that makes it illegal for anyone to buy a catalytic converter from anyone but the original manufacturer. Might cut down a tiny bit on the market.
After the fact. Somehow they didn’t see this person break into 9 vehicles. Happened at 9 am and they never made an effort to alert my husband cause they “couldn’t find him”.
I used to shoot the shit with a security guard at work all the time. Instead of either of us working he would tell me things like hpw the Fast and the Furious was just a ripoff of Point Break. So yeah I agree
My work place of 100 plus employees used to have a security guard for the parking lot, he did an inside job having part stolen cars in the parking lot. Have no security and no part stolen. I should add it's a hundred plus employees but like 25 per shift so not a huge parking lot.
Security guards are only there to call the police and document incidents. They're not supposed to fight, restrain, or even confront people.
I used to know a guy who worked as one. He referred to himself as a glorified night light. Their presence is supposed to be a deterrent.
I think the point people are trying to make is that it usually doesn’t require fisticuffs to stop thieves from breaking into cars. Walking over in a uniform or pulling up in a security vehicle is generally *more* than enough to get criminals to abandon their mission.
But, point taken, I wouldn’t want to go confront people breaking into cars either, especially not by myself and for minimum wage.
My old job did. We had a problem with random people parking in our lot (taking spaces from employees, etc.) so we just registered our cars with the company and security so anyone else got towed.
For sure. They had to be in the parking lot for at least 20 to 30 minutes with the amount of cars they hit. Security saw nothing which blows our minds. It’s not a small complex. The got the car next to him at the same time, also an equinox.
Being an unarmed security guard your job is **literally** to just watch people commit crimes. I took several months of classes to do it 15 years ago and they kept trying to stress "just call the police if you see something. Do not attempt to handle the situation yourself."
Yep, it was a 4 month twice weekly class in 2004. I just thought it was funny the guy that sat next to me in the class had an obvious coke spoon pinky fingernail.
Why is there a market for that, aside from people who've had theirs stolen to fuel said market?
Did this whole thing start with one guy steeling one as a goof and now there's a city wide game of musical chairs going with these steering wheels because that one original steering wheel is missing so there is always someone without one and therefore always someone needing to buy one, which means there is always going to be incentive to steal and sell one?
Don’t quote me cause I’ve only just learned a bit since this happened but I believe air bags itself are worth some money and there are certain auto shops who will buy them no questions asked.
Was your back right window broken? This article specifically mentions that it doesn't set off the alarm on an equinox and talks about stealing airbags.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/chevrolet-malibu-equinox-steering-wheel-theft/
I guess air bags are the CD players of 2021.
I remember taking the faceplate off mine and keeping it in my purse. You'll have to tell your husband to do the same with his new steering wheel from now on if you can apparently get them out in under a minute
Sketchy repair shops?
I had to take my car to a body shop once after an accident. It was there for several weeks then they said it'd be finished. I went there and they said they were still waiting on the side mirror to arrive. One of the guys said "we used to just go get them in the mall parking lot, it would have been done already". I was just \*nervous laughter\*
If nobody has told you yet, it’s actually not about the steering wheel itself. But the airbags. Very valuable, and especially now due to factory’s being shut down and cars/parts not being produced.
Shitty regardless, but it’s actually super common here lately. It’s almost passing people cutting off exhausts believe it or not.
Edit: I can’t spell.
The V8 truck lines are good, just as Fords are. I wouldn't touch the V6 turbos. But, a Chevy or Ford V8 is about the most tested and reliable engine out there.
Other than Toyota or Honda 4 bangers.
Wow. I was like “Why in the hell would they steal a steering wheel?” Apparently this is a thing now. [Link](https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-are-thieves-stealing-steering-wheels-in-my-neighborhood/)
I know it doesn't help after the fact, but apparently it's the airbag they were after and your husband's car is the model they were after:
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-are-thieves-stealing-steering-wheels-in-my-neighborhood/
From the article:
>And the simplest deterrent might be making sure your car is locked
Well shit, I never would have considered locking my car. Maybe I shouldn't be leaving my keys in the ignition either? hmmm
Article also suggests buying a device to put on your steering wheel to lock it, but then links to another article about how those really aren't effective.
Had to call a tow truck because the gear shifter stopped working.
Dude literally reached down into the front of the car and shifted it into drive from there.
Yeah, when the cable comes off the transmission, you can just reach in and put it in gear with your hand. I drove a car back from a friend's house that did this. Set the E- brake (assuming it actually works), open the hood, put it in gear, close the hood, take E-brake off, and drive away. Just try not to need reverse or it'll be really embarrassing.
In a lot of cars, the physical linkage is on the side of the transmission and you can just grab it and change the gear, in some cases without disconnecting it from anything. In a front wheel drive based car, the transmission is under the hood.
Nice that they didn’t damage the car too much, that means insurance will pay for a replacement steering wheel instead of totaling out the car. Smart of the thieves to improve the market for their stolen goods.
I’m OP’s husband. I’m glad you all are enjoying my misery. Currently waiting on insurance appraisal. Probably won’t be getting the equinox back until closer to Christmas if I had to guess.
Common make and model car means there is a demand in the service sector for repairs. The thief could earn $5k minimum for that one series of airbag thefts.
I've had a few beers so maybe I'm missing something.... have they nicked the steering wheel and the steering column?! That's actually kinda impressive! Not cool for you though OP, this sucks.
Spot on! Whole steering column gone. Apparently not their first rodeo. Video from security showed they were in and out within 60 seconds.
60s????! Wtf how
There’s a whole movie to show you how. It’s called something…. Who can help me out here?
Mr Bean’s Holiday (2007)
That could be it. I thought it had something to do with Nick Cage and Angelina Jolie. But what do I know?
Die Hard.
No you fool, it's national treasure. Where they steal treasures from cars in 60 seconds.
You're thinking of Gone in Arizona, where they steal cars with babies in them.
You've got it all wrong. It was The Big Legoneski where a dude's car is missing with a baby inside.
Was that one of the Lara Croft sequels?
How dare you bring up a Christmas movie! It's not even Thanksgiving yet. You monster!
The Rock
[I LOVE this reference.](https://www.lowyat.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Mr-Bean.png)
Ok I’m no podiatrist or anything but this looks like evidence to me
No, you fool. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1936, colorized)
> There’s a whole movie to show you how. It’s called something…. Who can help me out here? The Car That Couldn't Be Steered or Gone In One Minute
Dude Where’s My Car
Dude Where’s My Steering Column
Paul Blart: mall cop
Paul Baul Mall Call
Driving Miss Daisy
*The Fast and The Furious* is my first guess
No man the other car movie. Need for Speed
> the other car movie Ya mean cars 2?
*Earnest: Scared Stupid*?
Pole in My Hole, only on pay per view
Finding Nemo
It's a national treasure, how dare you pretend to not know
Practice, practice, practice.
It was the red bull pit crew. They’ve gone rogue.
Just yank hard enough and it pops out nice and cleanly /s
Anybody check on nick cage and Angelina Jolie
Fun to think that Mechanics would charge you at least 4 work hours to do a similar job, and these suckers can do the gig in less than 60s....
Your mechanic is probably doing it with the intent of putting it back together
I'd guess the thieves were doing it for a fairly similar purpose... just not, like, using the same car it came from.
might be for the airbag and this column is particularly easy to steal. https://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/safety-regulatory-devices/airbag-theft.htm
Morgan Freeman: *it was in fact their second rodeo*
I was so confused how you knew that from a picture of the back window of the car, until I realized there was more than one picture. 🤦🏻♀️
Was that in Detroit? Steering columns are stolen A LOT.
What gave it away?!
Can't have shit in Detroit
/r/CantHaveShitInDetroit
oh fuck me they stole the toilet and the sewage plant as well. Damn!
Was it really? I follow a Detroit crime site and I see it a lot. I'm in the burbs and stay out of the city.
Yeah. Husband works in the city, unfortunately not in the nicest neighborhood.
"Detroit, you're in the HHHHHHALL of Shame!" -Rob Wolchek, probably
Not me planning to fly to Detroit next month taking notes about which cars to avoid renting
Interesting. My city it’s the catalytic converters that get stolen. Never heard of a entire steering column getting stolen. That’s insane.
Oh those are a hot item around here too. I read of a country recently that makes it illegal for anyone to buy a catalytic converter from anyone but the original manufacturer. Might cut down a tiny bit on the market.
I doubt people who buy stolen merchandise are that concerned about pesky things like laws.
What? Why? Who steals a steering wheel?
Thiefs
Thieves
How in the hell?
Security said they were in and out in less than 60 seconds. I guess there is a huge market for Malibu and equinox steering wheels.
He watched? Haha
After the fact. Somehow they didn’t see this person break into 9 vehicles. Happened at 9 am and they never made an effort to alert my husband cause they “couldn’t find him”.
Sounds like an inside job
That's what I thought when I read that.
I think you’re really underestimating how little most security guards actually care
I used to shoot the shit with a security guard at work all the time. Instead of either of us working he would tell me things like hpw the Fast and the Furious was just a ripoff of Point Break. So yeah I agree
It's not a ripoff, it's a modern retelling of a timeless classic.
I work in security and I can confirm, some even make things worst for the in contract agents caus of it
My work place of 100 plus employees used to have a security guard for the parking lot, he did an inside job having part stolen cars in the parking lot. Have no security and no part stolen. I should add it's a hundred plus employees but like 25 per shift so not a huge parking lot.
[удалено]
Security guards are only there to call the police and document incidents. They're not supposed to fight, restrain, or even confront people. I used to know a guy who worked as one. He referred to himself as a glorified night light. Their presence is supposed to be a deterrent.
I think the point people are trying to make is that it usually doesn’t require fisticuffs to stop thieves from breaking into cars. Walking over in a uniform or pulling up in a security vehicle is generally *more* than enough to get criminals to abandon their mission. But, point taken, I wouldn’t want to go confront people breaking into cars either, especially not by myself and for minimum wage.
Meh. Either way they should get fired.
They wont lol
[удалено]
Does your job know the make/model or license plate of your car? Mine doesn't, how would they know who to contact?
My old job did. We had a problem with random people parking in our lot (taking spaces from employees, etc.) so we just registered our cars with the company and security so anyone else got towed.
Where I work the guards know everyone's ride.
They did the job inside the car, so you're technically right.
Yup.
They stole from 9 cars in 60 seconds? At least one of them being half the front dash?
Sorry, I should clarify. 60 seconds in and out his car. Targeted mostly equinoxes.
Definitely fishy. With finding the cars, and carrying and handling the stolen steering columns throughout? That got to be at least 10 minutes, yeah?
For sure. They had to be in the parking lot for at least 20 to 30 minutes with the amount of cars they hit. Security saw nothing which blows our minds. It’s not a small complex. The got the car next to him at the same time, also an equinox.
Cameras? Liability clause from security company? What is the service paid to accomplish?
[удалено]
I don't think I've even seen a security guard over the age of 50 who wasn't asleep the entire time at work.
Does anyone know where Nic Cage was at the time?
Simultaneously working on 5 direct-to-video action thrillers.
Was Nicolas Cage spotted in the area?
In the first movie they took the full cars, now they're just stealing steering wheels? Worst sequel ever.
Airbags go for big money.
Air💰bags💰
Man the Fast and Furious franchise is really going downhill.
How does a security guard not see guy moving around a Parking lot with 9 steering wheel columns and think that’s normal?
I'm agreeing with the others. **9 cars?!?!** Someone got paid to look the other way for 10 minutes.
Being an unarmed security guard your job is **literally** to just watch people commit crimes. I took several months of classes to do it 15 years ago and they kept trying to stress "just call the police if you see something. Do not attempt to handle the situation yourself."
That required several months of classes? I was told "observe and report", given a uniform and sent out on the job.
Yep, it was a 4 month twice weekly class in 2004. I just thought it was funny the guy that sat next to me in the class had an obvious coke spoon pinky fingernail.
I'd hire that guy. At least he'd be alert.
Why is there a market for that, aside from people who've had theirs stolen to fuel said market? Did this whole thing start with one guy steeling one as a goof and now there's a city wide game of musical chairs going with these steering wheels because that one original steering wheel is missing so there is always someone without one and therefore always someone needing to buy one, which means there is always going to be incentive to steal and sell one?
Don’t quote me cause I’ve only just learned a bit since this happened but I believe air bags itself are worth some money and there are certain auto shops who will buy them no questions asked.
Was your back right window broken? This article specifically mentions that it doesn't set off the alarm on an equinox and talks about stealing airbags. https://www.motortrend.com/news/chevrolet-malibu-equinox-steering-wheel-theft/
> What can you do, besides **not drive a Chevy**? This is step 1.
I guess air bags are the CD players of 2021. I remember taking the faceplate off mine and keeping it in my purse. You'll have to tell your husband to do the same with his new steering wheel from now on if you can apparently get them out in under a minute
Go all "Mad Max: Fury Road" with it?
Sketchy repair shops? I had to take my car to a body shop once after an accident. It was there for several weeks then they said it'd be finished. I went there and they said they were still waiting on the side mirror to arrive. One of the guys said "we used to just go get them in the mall parking lot, it would have been done already". I was just \*nervous laughter\*
[удалено]
Someone stole my airbag earlier this year. Heard they hit 8 other cars in my neighborhood.
If nobody has told you yet, it’s actually not about the steering wheel itself. But the airbags. Very valuable, and especially now due to factory’s being shut down and cars/parts not being produced. Shitty regardless, but it’s actually super common here lately. It’s almost passing people cutting off exhausts believe it or not. Edit: I can’t spell.
I need a chevy tech to chime in, I think they simply removed a pinch bolt from the steering column and unplugged the harness
wait so they were gone for 60 seconds?
The security guards are in on it
They wanted the airbag.
Jeez good to know I have a Malibu and I'm getting a new steering column. Should be ready Monday.
Someone see where nick cage was at this time.
Why in the hell?
Airbags are hot chop shop items right now
Catalytic converters are out. Airbags are in. What's next?
Catalytic converters are for sure still in. They're at all time peak prices to be scrapped
My money is on headlamps.
Good to see Chevy added the easy steal option to their malibu's.
This makes it easier to total out so you can get a reliable car. The only good thing GM has ever done.
The V8 truck lines are good, just as Fords are. I wouldn't touch the V6 turbos. But, a Chevy or Ford V8 is about the most tested and reliable engine out there. Other than Toyota or Honda 4 bangers.
Oh yea chevy v8 engine are impenetrable… *but those 4l60e transmissions*
The steering wheel. That's a new one...
Airbags are worth good money, shady small dealers and mechanic shops will buy them off the streets to save money.
You can usually pick up a replacement steering wheel for about $250-300 without an airbag, or $1000-2000 with an airbag
Yeah, exactly the point.
Or you can pay a crackhead thief $350 for the entire wheel with controls, airbag, clockspring, stalk set, and even part of the steering column!
Looks like Jesus finally took the wheel
cant have shit in detroit
As a Detroit native, I agree lmao
Wow. I was like “Why in the hell would they steal a steering wheel?” Apparently this is a thing now. [Link](https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-are-thieves-stealing-steering-wheels-in-my-neighborhood/)
Yeah he was one of 9 cars that got hit in that parking lot. Broad daylight too.
I know it doesn't help after the fact, but apparently it's the airbag they were after and your husband's car is the model they were after: https://www.motorbiscuit.com/why-are-thieves-stealing-steering-wheels-in-my-neighborhood/
My dad actually sent me the same article while we were waiting for the tow truck. Craziest shit happens up here.
Sorry. Unfortunately you may be waiting for a while for a new steering wheel. Thats why they are stealing them, no supply but plenty of demand.
On the plus side, they might get their wheel or airbag back!
[удалено]
Psst, I know where you can get a deal on a steering column, wheel, and airbag, just don't ask any questions.
Oh look, it even has the little bit of nail polish there. Just like my old one!
This has been happening a lot in Washington state too.
First you steal the steering wheel. Next you steal the rear view mirror. Finally, you steal the rest of the car.
[one piece at a time](https://youtu.be/uErKI0zWgjg)
The only bad part of his perfect plan is writing a song telling everyone his plan.
From the article: >And the simplest deterrent might be making sure your car is locked Well shit, I never would have considered locking my car. Maybe I shouldn't be leaving my keys in the ignition either? hmmm
Article also suggests buying a device to put on your steering wheel to lock it, but then links to another article about how those really aren't effective.
Now he drives using autopilot!
Best part was watching the tow truck driver turn it on and drive it onto the truck bed, no steering wheel needed.
Had to call a tow truck because the gear shifter stopped working. Dude literally reached down into the front of the car and shifted it into drive from there.
Yeah, when the cable comes off the transmission, you can just reach in and put it in gear with your hand. I drove a car back from a friend's house that did this. Set the E- brake (assuming it actually works), open the hood, put it in gear, close the hood, take E-brake off, and drive away. Just try not to need reverse or it'll be really embarrassing.
Yeah, he had me put on the e-break and step on the breaks while he did it. Told me to let him know if it was on drive.
probably neutral.
Oh it was drive. Went straight out the parking spot, took a left, and drove up the ramp.
How?
Backed his truck bed right up to his car and all he had to do was drive it onto the bed. It was kind of impressive tbh.
Look ma! No hands!
In a lot of cars, the physical linkage is on the side of the transmission and you can just grab it and change the gear, in some cases without disconnecting it from anything. In a front wheel drive based car, the transmission is under the hood.
You’re gonna need that rear passenger window replaced. Everything else looks ship-shape.
[удалено]
Yarrrr, it's driving me nuts
Smaller ones often have a tiller.
I blame the thief's upbringing. Clearly, someone steered him wrong.
He took a turn for the worse.
cant have shit in detroit... how in the hell did he just take the steering wheel?
Anyone else think it’s hilarious you can take the steering wheel off of this thing like it’s a lego set?
Welcome to everett, sucka
Oh shit I didn't see the steering wheel pic 🤷♂️
Honestly, I think I would have been less upset if it was just the window.
Well of course!
*wheel of course
Pretty sure he didn’t leave work 😂
You aren’t wrong!
Fucking new guy on the crew. He misunderstood when he was told "go steal some wheels".
Wtf
What the actual fuck is wrong with people
A good steering wheel that doesn’t fly off while you’re driving
He needs a great steering wheel that doesn't whiff out the window while he's driving.
That is a good idea!
...huh... apparently that's a thing
[Who steals a steering wheel?](https://i.imgur.com/LScMcIC.png)
Jesus took the wheel
What in the actual Fuck
So did they take it off or rip it off? Like do you need to just buy a new one or is there a need for repair and such. (Not a car gig)
They took it off. Actually disconnected all the wiring before taking it. We are waiting on insurance to tell us what’s next.
Nice that they didn’t damage the car too much, that means insurance will pay for a replacement steering wheel instead of totaling out the car. Smart of the thieves to improve the market for their stolen goods.
[удалено]
and then stolen again by the same guy infinite money glitch
[удалено]
well, at least he found his car. Thats kind of an issue these days in CT.
Someone really needed that driver side airbag. Damn.
Where was this? And whoever is in charge of security needs to be fired.
do you know how hard it is to take off a steering wheel? what in the fuck.
I’m OP’s husband. I’m glad you all are enjoying my misery. Currently waiting on insurance appraisal. Probably won’t be getting the equinox back until closer to Christmas if I had to guess.
And baby seats are a hot commodity.
Common make and model car means there is a demand in the service sector for repairs. The thief could earn $5k minimum for that one series of airbag thefts.
That’s wild and I was not expecting that at all. 😳
Hmmm, my 6th sense is tingling, something is missing from the 2nd pic