Man arrested in Montreal airbag theft ring spanning four boroughs
Mikael Jacob, 20, faces charges in 36 incidents across Anjou, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rivière-des-Prairies and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension over four months.
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A 20-year-old faces charges in connection with 36 airbag thefts that occurred across four Montreal boroughs over the past four months. Mikael Jacob was arrested September 8 in Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles. He's charged with theft, mischief, possession of burglary tools, and failure to comply with conditions.
The thefts targeted vehicles in Anjou, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension. Jacob remained in custody following a courthouse appearance. Montreal police seized various pieces of evidence.
As HighOnCity reported in June, car theft has been surging in Montreal's east end. Police recommend three deterrents: install a glass breakage detector, use an anti-theft steering wheel bar, and park in areas with surveillance cameras.
Anyone with information can contact 911, a local police station, Info-Crime Montréal at 514-393-1133, or report online. Investigators have not disclosed whether Jacob has prior convictions related to vehicle theft or break-ins.
The facts
Who was arrested in the Montreal airbag theft ring?
Mikael Jacob, a 20-year-old, was arrested on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in connection with 36 airbag thefts across four Montreal boroughs.
What charges does Mikael Jacob face?
Jacob is charged with theft, mischief, possession of burglary tools, and failure to comply with conditions.
Which Montreal boroughs were targeted?
The airbag thefts targeted vehicles in Anjou, Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, and Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
