Protecting assets

Since getting the new Honda CR-V, Carl has been on Facebook learning about the vehicle from other owners. One of the things he had read about was that the front radar sensor could be removed pretty easily and stolen - which would then lose the functionality of adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation (https://www.cbtnews.com/thieves-target-radar-sensors/). Replacement if the device was stolen could cost $500-1500.

Carl also read that there was an aftermarket radar sensor cover and protector available (https://www.crvownersclub.com/threads/radar-sensor.251893/), so he had ordered it from Amazon. It had arrived and he installed it a couple of days ago...

The sensor is located behind the Honda "H" in the front grille. Separately from the concern about theft, it seems also that the sensor can be limited in functionality by rain or snow or obstructions that might obscure the front grille area. The protector device does not help with this.

After Carl took the "H" off, the sensor was revealed.

It was very easy to remove the sensor...

... all he would need to do to steal it was to unplug the wires. (Note: you probably don't want to purchase a used one as it was likely stolen.) Carl didn't unplug the wire as that would have required re-calibration of the unit.

The protector consisted of three stainless steel plates and four screws -- one of the the plates can be seen on the front of the mounting area, the other is ell shaped and you can just see the shiny edge peeking out -- the other part of the ell is behind the mounting area so the front plate can screw into it through the plastic components. A hex tool is used to tighten those two plates into place.

The final component of the protector attaches to the sensor and is then screwed into the plate that was previously attached.

The kit included a torque security bit to tighten the last screws and secure the protector into place. 

Replace the "H" and the task is completed!

Technically, if someone tries to steal it even with the protector is in place, they could break up all the plastic and still make off with it. But, if they were hoping to make a quick grab in a relatively public place, maybe that will make it enough more difficult that they'll seek out another vehicle instead of taking from ours. (Make your property harder to steal so they seek out someone else's.)

It is frustrating that we need to protect against this kind of theft. It is also frustrating that Honda hasn't made more of an effort to make it less steal-able, but... I guess they don't see an advantage to putting more money into protecting it -- they aren't out any money, they make money again through their parts department if a customer has to purchase a replacement sensor from them. (Why is it like this? "Follow the money," as my brother says!)