Auto upholstery shops with front or non-gated parking lots beware. Media outlets are reporting a sharp increase in the number of third-row seats being stolen from SUVs. Thieves are scouring neighborhoods for unattended SUVs, hauling the seats away and selling them online.
AOL Autos explains:
“Good Morning America” reports police say so-called third-seat thefts are on the rise, especially in Texas and California. “Fox & Friends” reports thieves can sell the seats for hundreds, and police say it could even be thousands.
Los Angeles police have been encouraging people to engrave the bottom of their seats with the vehicle’s VIN number. Though it may sound like kind of a pain, it’s probably worth it considering it can cost up to $4,000 to have stolen seats replaced at a dealership. [more]
Protect your self, your shop and customers’ cars. Double check your insurance policy to ensure that it covers theft. Keep all unattended cars locked and secured. And, if possible, park SUVs with third-row seats indoors.
Just what we needed – right? Another thing to worry about.
http://youtu.be/Du0viI1JPVY
[Hat Tip: Edward Munday]
We (The Seat Shop) have invented a 3rd row seat lock to help prevent these seats from getting stolen. Please check this out or give us a call at 214-710-2565! http://www.theseatshop.com/2007-2013-chevy-gmc-cadillac-3rd-row-seat-lock.html?cat=1506&seat_cover=26
Cool device! Thanks for sharing.