MOUNT VERNON, NY (October 2, 2025) — The Mount Vernon Police Department reported a series of thefts targeting airbags from Honda and Acura vehicles across the city last Wednesday night. The department noted that the crime spree involved multiple thefts, prompting a recommendation for low-tech equipment to prevent further incidents.
According to the police, thieves are using transmitter/receiver devices to capture radio signals from key fobs. To counter this, the department advises residents not to leave key fobs in vehicles or near doors and windows at home. They suggest storing key fobs in a Faraday bag or metal container to reduce the chance of signal interception.
Faraday bags are specialized pouches designed to block electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radio frequency (RF) signals, effectively creating a shield around the contents inside. Named after the 19th-century scientist Michael Faraday, who discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction, these bags are made from materials that conduct electricity, such as multiple layers of metallic mesh or fabric, often combined with insulating layers. This construction prevents external signals from penetrating the bag and also stops any signals from devices inside from escaping.
The primary function of a Faraday bag is to protect electronic devices—such as key fobs, smartphones, or RFID-enabled cards—from being accessed or intercepted by unauthorized parties. In the context of the recent thefts reported by the Mount Vernon Police Department, Faraday bags are recommended to prevent thieves from using transmitter/receiver devices to capture radio signals from key fobs, which can unlock vehicles remotely. By placing a key fob in a Faraday bag, the signal is blocked, rendering the device unusable for such attacks.
The Mount Vernon Police also highlighted the effectiveness of low-tech solutions, such as steering wheel locks, in deterring these thefts. In addition to airbags, the department reported that rims and tires from Honda and Acura vehicles are also being stolen.
For added security, the police recommend activating HondaLink or installing a GPS tracking device in cars to alert owners to movement or unauthorized entry.
More information is available at pd.cmvny.com.
The Port Chester Police Department shared the Mount Vernon Police Department’s post, which included the stolen vehicle prevention tips, on their Facebook page.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.