The Worcester Police Department warned Hyundai and Kia owners about a series of car thefts related to the "TikTok Kia challenge," with 24 Hyundai and 12 Kia vehicles stolen in Worcester since Nov. 1, 2023. The thefts have been concentrated in specific areas, and the department advised owners to contact their dealership for updates, use steering wheel clubs, park in well-lit areas, install a battery disconnect switch, lock all windows and doors, and consider installing a GPS tracking device.
Secret Service agents protecting Joe Biden's granddaughter, Naomi Biden, fired shots after three individuals attempted to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in Washington D.C. No one was injured, and the suspects fled the scene. Carjackings and car thefts have been on the rise in the city, with over 750 carjackings and 6,000 reports of stolen vehicles this year. Violent crime in Washington D.C. has also increased by over 40% compared to last year.
The Oakland police launched a social media account, @oaklandautoburg, to help residents report vehicle thefts, but shut it down less than a day later. Auto burglaries in Oakland have increased by 36% this year compared to 2022, making it one of the worst cities for car thefts in the US.
Monroe County in New York is experiencing a significant increase in car thefts, with a 240% rise compared to the 13-year average. The stolen vehicle task force, formed to address the issue, has identified that the majority of alleged offenders are between the ages of 14 and 16. To combat the problem, law enforcement is intentionally undercharging the young offenders to provide immediate intervention and keep them off the streets. The task force has recovered 21 stolen cars and made 31 arrests since its inception, with no repeat offenders reported.
Car thefts in the US saw a 10.9% increase in 2022, with nearly a million cars stolen, according to the FBI. Reports have identified popular vehicle models targeted by thieves, including the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Dodge Charger HEMI, Infiniti Q50 4dr, Dodge Challenger, and Land Rover Range Rover 4dr 4WD. The National Insurance Crime Bureau highlighted the full-sized Chevrolet Pickup, full-sized Ford Pickup, and Honda Civic as the top three models favored by thieves. Incidents of carjackings also rose by 8.1% in 2022, with transportation hubs and outdoor public locations being the most common locations for such crimes.
The FBI's 2022 Crime in the Nation data revealed that motor vehicle thefts in the United States increased by over 8% in 2022, with nearly a million vehicles worth over $20 billion stolen. The data also showed an 8.1% increase in carjackings. Property crime offenses in all categories spiked by 7.1%, while violent crimes decreased by 1.7%. Carjacking incidents involving the use of force rose, with nearly half occurring between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. The data also highlighted that men accounted for the majority of motor vehicle thefts, and women between 25 and 34 carried out the most vehicle thefts among their sex.
The city of Louisville has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia over car thefts, with over 2,000 Kias and Hyundais stolen between January and July of this year. The city claims that a manufacturer defect is responsible for the thefts and accuses the manufacturers of negligence. Louisville is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, among other relief, and has hired two law firms to assist in the lawsuit. The rise in car thefts has diverted police attention from other crimes and poses a public safety issue. Other cities, including New York and Chicago, have filed similar litigation, and the manufacturers previously settled a $200 million class action lawsuit in May.
Governor Kathy Hochul unveils a plan to combat car thefts in Rochester, emphasizing vehicle theft prevention measures such as the use of steering wheel locks.
Fort Wayne has experienced 500 car thefts this year, with 86% of them being Kias. Most of the thefts were committed by juveniles who learned how to override vehicle software through a TikTok tutorial. The thefts have resulted in crashes and police chases, but no injuries so far. The Fort Wayne Police Department is working to apprehend the culprits and is urging parents to be aware of their children's whereabouts and associations.
Chicago has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, accusing the automakers of failing to install anti-theft technology in their vehicles, leading to a surge in car thefts and related crimes in the city. The lawsuit claims that the absence of engine immobilizers in many Kia and Hyundai cars sold in the U.S. has caused a car theft crisis, with over 8,800 vehicles stolen in Chicago alone in 2022. The city is seeking fines, damages, and an injunction on the companies, and is demanding a jury trial. Similar lawsuits have been filed by other cities, including Milwaukee and New York City.
Homicides have decreased by nearly 10% this year, while car thefts have seen a significant increase. The first six months of the year witnessed a rise in car thefts, even as violent crime rates dropped. Law enforcement agencies are now facing the challenge of tackling the surge in car thefts while maintaining public safety.
Frustrated community members in Monroe County urged the local legislature to address the ongoing issue of car thefts committed by teenagers. Concerned citizens expressed their anger and called for action, highlighting instances of violence and the lack of accountability for the perpetrators. Some criticized county legislators for giving themselves raises while the community struggles with the increase in car thefts. Advocates emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address the issue and urged lawmakers to hold state legislators accountable for bail reform and Raise the Age laws.
Rochester Mayor Evans provides an update on the city's crime prevention plans, highlighting a decrease in shootings and homicides since the gun violence state of emergency began. The mayor extends the state of emergency, emphasizing that even one shooting is too much. The Rochester Police Department has removed over 400 illegal firearms from the streets and made 281 arrests for criminal possession of illegal weapons. However, car thefts remain a significant challenge, particularly involving young people and stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The city is launching the "Choose Wisdom" campaign to raise awareness and discourage violence, urging community members to report incidents through ReportIt and contact the Mayor's Office.
Two 15-year-olds have been arrested in Webster following a series of car thefts, leaving police frustrated as the trend continues. The arrests came after a stolen Hyundai was involved in a crash at Bay and Ridge roads.
The Lincoln Police Department is offering free steering wheel locks to Hyundai and Kia owners in response to the "Kia Boyz" TikTok challenge, which has inspired teens to steal cars across the country. LPD blamed the "Kia Boyz" for a rash of vehicle thefts last summer. The locks are available on a first-come, first-served basis at three LPD stations in Lincoln, Nebraska.
