Car theft is a crime that has been around for as long as cars have been on the road. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the theft of KIA and Hyundai vehicles.
With the rise of how-to videos on social media, it seems that young people are taking advantage of the ease with which these cars can be stolen. In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind this rise in car theft and what you can do to protect your vehicle from theft.
Syracuse, New York has become a hotbed for KIA and Hyundai car thefts. One resident of Syracuse’s Northside, was of the many victims of car theft. She had parked her 2021 Kia Sportage in the driveway of her home and one morning, she woke up to find it gone. She immediately called the police, assuming her car had been stolen. Little did she know that there was a TikTok challenge that was teaching people how to steal KIA vehicles. According to the North Syracuse Resident, the challenge showed how to rip out the dash and then use a wire that is typically used to charge a phone to start the car. The stolen car was eventually found a few days later, but at least $2,000 had to be spent out of pocket to cover the cost of a rental and other expenses. The car theft also impacted the everyday life the North Syracuse Resident, due to a disability, it was very hard for them to get around, especially since the lift for her scooter was broken.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) in Rush, New York is also experiencing a surge in KIA and Hyundai car thefts. In just the first few months of this year, Rochester Police reported that nearly 70% of the 169 cars reported stolen were either a KIA or Hyundai. The MCSO recently arrested four teens who were riding in a stolen Kia car. The car was reported stolen in the city just hours before it was spotted by the police. The four teens were charged with possession of stolen property, and all of them were between the ages of 14 and 15.
MCSO Major Jeff Wagner says that a lot of the reported stolen cars his deputies deal with were unlocked and running. He advises car owners to turn off their cars and take their keys with them when they go into a gas station or grab a cup of coffee. The MCSO remains committed to the safety of the community and will continue to do everything they can to address this unacceptable pattern of vehicle thefts.
Car keyless entry systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. They allow drivers to unlock and start their cars without ever having to take the keys out of their pockets. However, these systems have also made it easier for car thieves to steal vehicles. Car thieves can use devices called signal amplifiers to extend the range of the car's keyless entry system, making it possible to unlock the car and start the engine even if the keys are inside the house.
To protect your car from theft, it is recommended that you park it in a garage or use a steering wheel lock. If you have a keyless entry system, it is also important to keep your keys away from the car and possibly even use a Faraday bag, which blocks the signals from the key, to prevent signal amplification.
In conclusion, car theft has become a growing concern in the United States, especially with the recent rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The discovery of the TikTok challenge and the arrests of the four teens in Monroe County have shed light on the issue. It is important to take precautions such as getting a steering wheel lock, locking the car doors, and parking in a garage to keep your vehicle safe. As locksmiths, we also recommend being mindful of leaving the car keys within reach of potential thieves. At Marty Locks, we are committed to providing our customers with the best security solutions to help keep their vehicles safe. Whether you own a Kia, Hyundai, or any other make and model, we can help you keep your car secure.
Stay safe and as always, if you have any questions or need any assistance, give us a call!
Our Local Locksmiths here at Marty Locks will be glad to assist you with any Automotive, Residential or Commercial Locksmith needs.
