The State - News from May 21, 1987

A new teen-age fad is keeping automobile dealers in Santa Clara County busy replacing hood ornaments stolen from cars. Following the example of such popular singing groups as the Beastie Boys, the teen-agers use the car symbols as jewelry. The most popular symbols are those from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac cars, but the large, circular VW from older Volkswagens is also much in demand. Auto dealers report doing a fast trade in replacements. Rick Ward, parts manager of a BMW dealership, said he sold 300 replacement ornaments last month, compared with only 15 the month before. For car owners, the habit is expensive. It costs $30 to $45 for a new Cadillac symbol--or up to $130 if they want one that is gold plated.