A recent TikTok challenge that teaches young people how to steal cars, has led to a 767% increase in the theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Chicago since the beginning of July and compared to last year. Using the hashtag #KiaBoyz, users of the platform show how to start cars without keys, using the tip of a phone charger or USB cable.
@marmarrobinson I'm cryingggg!!! #fyp #fypp #fypgakni #omggggg #viral #fypシ゚viral #fypシ #kiaboys #MakeNightsEpic #kiaboyz414 ♬ original sound - Marmar Robinson.
Between July 1 and mid-August, 642 Kia and Hyundai vehicles were reported stolen, up from 74 last year, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Police advise owners of these brands to "be alert" and take precautions such as parking in a busy or well-lit area rather than in a dark secluded area, in order to possible avoid theft.
Community Advisory due uptick in Kia and Hyundai thefts as viral tictok challenge continues there were 74 thefts of these cars in July and part of August last year. This year there have been 642, which is an increase of 767%. https://t.co/zjX4ZZv1t9 pic.twitter.com/hTK2LPOva3
- 15th District - Austin (@ChicagoCAPS15) August 25, 2022
Authorities such as Roe Conn, an agent with the Cook County Sheriff's Office, have directly accused the social network of creating the problem: "The challenge on TikTok is basically teaching people how to do it, how to steal, which is crazy." The solution provided by several police departments is to purchase tools to block flyers. In other cases, the authorities have even considered suing the manufacturers for lack of safety.
Response from Kia and Hyundai
Vehicle thefts are in models made prior to 2022. The main problem with older cars is that they come equipped with ignitions that require mechanical keys and do not have any kind of engine blocker - a factory-installed anti-theft device. These blockers use a chip to authenticate a key which are now included in the 2022 models.
In statements to USA Today, Kia representatives mentioned that its vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. "Kia America is aware of the increase in vehicle thefts. Starting with the current 2022 model year, all Kia vehicles have an engine blocker installed."
A Hyundai spokesman told Fox News that the automaker has managed a program to support police departments that are distributing theft-prevention steering wheel locks, as the welfare of its customers is its priority. "Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in auto thefts. The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will remain our top priority."
National trend
- Police in St. Petersburg, Florida reported that, since mid-July, more than 40% of the car thefts had been from brands such as Kia or Hyundai.
- In the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 3,568 vehicles had been stolen as of early June, 23 per day and one approximately every hour.
- In Los Angeles, California, 20% of the cars stolen so far in 2022 are from South Korean brands, when in 2021 that proportion was 13%.
-In Charlotte, North Carolina, a peak of 200 stolen vehicles was reached in the month of July over the course of 2 weeks. Focused on Kia and Hyundai brands.
Earlier this month, a group of teenagers, ages 14 to 17, stole a 2021 Kia Forte 2021 in St. Louis. St. Paul, Minnesota. This led the police on a road chase with official vehicles and a helicopter. The car crashed when the driver tried to avoid debris that had been placed in the road, and the group attempted to flee on foot before being stopped. The challenge that seems fun to young people can even lead to death due to recklessness.
@zariencoley #414milwaukee #kiaboyz414 #kiaboyz 😂#fyp #viral #foryoupage ♬ original sound - Zariencoley
