Stolen headlights      Boston.com

Fast and furious headlight crime
Xenon headlights produce more light than halogen headlights and use less power.

HEADLIGHT COMPARISON
An underground economy has developed around the theft and resale of xenon headlights. This trend is seen in Boston where owners of certain vehicles can face repair costs in the thousands.

TARGETED VEHICLES
According to Detective Daniel McAteer of the New York City auto crime division:

  • Audi S4
  • Acura TL
  • BMW 2003 and 2004
  • Nissan Maxima 2003 and 2004
  • Nissan Altima 2003 and 2004

    PREVENTION
  • Don't buy a car with these headlights In 2005 Nissan cars, xenon lighting is an option, rather than standard equipment.
  • Adding an ID number Acura has considered imprinting these lights with a code similar to the vehicle identification number on vehicles. This way a recovered headlight could be linked to a particular car as proof it was stolen.
  • Etching the headlight glass with the VIN number Could prove the light is stolen, although most lights are recovered without the glass.
  • Installing a hood lock Many victims of stolen lights install deterrents, but repair costs can rise because the thief must damage the hood and grill to remove the lights. SOURCE: National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement
    Graphic: Globe Staff / Sean McNaughton and Beth Daley