The Miami Police Department is urging the public to identify a man captured on video breaking into a vehicle and stealing its airbag.
The vehicle was parked at 1250 NW 21st Street on Jan. 12 when the man broke in and took the safety device at about 5:40 p.m. The victim, Nigel Reyes, previously had a camera set up in the dashboard that captured images of the theft in progress.
"It's incredibly frustrating ... I'm lucky that he was foolish enough to stare at the camera and not realize that it was facing him this time around," Reyes said. "I certainly hope he is caught. It would certainly be a relief – my sense of security would greatly be restored and also for the community, because it's not just myself affected, it's so many other vehicles."
Police said airbag thefts are on the rise, adding that criminals are mainly targeting Toyotas, Hondas and Acuras.
"There's a growing market on the black market for airbags and not only is it a crime to purchase stolen items, but it is also dangerous," Miami Police Department official Kenia Fallat said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. Tips that lead to an arrest are eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.
