Car thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are increasing
OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
1:02 PM – Wednesday, January 24, 2023
Several cities saw an exponential rise in motor vehicle thefts last year.
Chicago, Illinois reported 29,063 car thefts in 2023.
According to the Illinois Policy Institute that amounts to a 26% increase compared to 2022. It’s also the highest amount recorded since Chicago began recording crime online in 2001.
As car thefts reached an all-time high, the city’s arrest rate for motor vehicle thefts reached a historic low of 2.6%.
Texas also saw a heavy increase in car thefts. Dallas reported a 40% increase of more than 18,000 incidents.
Police in Austin have investigated 10,234 car thefts since January of 2022, averaging with an arrest rate of 8%.
San Antonio also saw a 53% spike.
Oakland, California saw its highest number of car thefts in over a decade. The city reported more than 14,700 incidents in 2023 – a 44% increase compared to 2022.
Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that thefts of Kias and Hyundais have skyrocketed 1,000% since 2020.
Notably, of the more than 10,000 vehicles reported stolen in Austin, 2,370 were Kias and Hyundais.
Investigators believe the nationwide increase may be tied to viral TikTok videos where thieves, known as the self-proclaimed “Kia Boyz,” demonstrated how easy it was to steal the vehicles by using a USB cable as a key.
Both of the companies have developed software to detect a “faux key,” but thefts are still seeing an exponential rise.
Owners are advised not to trust that feature alone due to not all models being equipped for the update.
Lawmakers in Austin, Texas recently pushed through resolution calling on the federal government to recall models to the vehicle that lack protective features.
City Council member Vanessa Fuentes said it’s “a matter of public safety.”
“We want to make sure our residents know the vulnerabilities of owning and operating a Kia and Hyundai and by drawing attention to how unsafe they are and how vulnerable they can be to theft,” Fuentes told KXAN.
New York City, Baltimore and Seattle have also passed similar resolutions.
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What are some of the cities in the United States that have experienced a significant increase in motor vehicle thefts?
Ormed about the latest news and updates regarding the rise in motor vehicle thefts across several cities in the United States. Chicago, Illinois reported a staggering 29,063 car thefts in 2023, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number recorded since the city began documenting crime online in 2001.
Texas also experienced a significant surge in car thefts, with Dallas reporting a 40% increase, tallying over 18,000 incidents. In Austin, police investigations revealed an alarming number of 10,234 car thefts since January 2022, accompanied by an arrest rate of only 8%. San Antonio also faced a 53% spike in car theft cases.
Oakland, California, witnessed its highest number of car thefts in over a decade, with more than 14,700 incidents reported in 2023, representing a 44% increase from the previous year.
Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute revealed a shocking 1,000% increase in thefts of Kias and Hyundais since 2020. Of the more than 10,000 vehicles reported stolen in Austin, 2,370 were Kias and Hyundais.
Investigators suspect that this nationwide increase in car thefts may be linked to viral TikTok videos, where thieves, known as the “Kia Boyz,” demonstrated how easily they could steal vehicles using a USB cable as a key. These videos may have influenced the lack of antitheft computer chips in Kia and Hyundai cars.
Although the auto manufacturers have implemented software fixes to curb the thefts, both companies still see an exponential rise in theft cases. Owners are advised not to solely rely on the software update, as not all models have been equipped with the protective features.
In response to these concerns, lawmakers in Austin, Texas, recently passed a resolution calling on the federal government to recall Kia and Hyundai models lacking necessary protective features. City Council member Vanessa Fuentes emphasized that it is a matter of public safety, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of owning and operating these vehicles.
Progressive cities like New York City, Baltimore, and Seattle have also passed similar resolutions, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of addressing this issue.
It is crucial for car owners, especially those with Kias and Hyundais, to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their vehicles. Investing in additional security measures, such as vehicle locks, is highly recommended in light of the ongoing theft epidemic.
The rise in car thefts serves as a reminder for both individuals and authorities to remain vigilant and prioritize public safety in combating these crimes.
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