automotive

NYPD Offers Theft Prevention Tips To Kia, Hyundai Owners

The New York Police Department’s crime prevention division is issuing tips to owners of the Kia and Hyundai vehicles that have become easy theft targets due to social media videos.

Viral videos on TikTok and other media show how to bypass the ignition using a USB phone charger cable.

The "Tik-Tok Auto Theft Challenge" tips sheet created by the police department includes common-sense advice like closing vehicle windows and locking doors and parking in high-traffic or well-lit areas.

The police are also recommending owners invest in a kill switch or battery disconnect alarm system, or a steering wheel lock.

The two automakers began offering free wheel immobilizers to customers earlier this year to help combat the thefts.

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It’s become such a huge problem that 17 states are demanding that Hyundai and Kia recall the vehicles affected by the vulnerability, according to The Drive, which also reports that the thefts have resulted in parts shortages.

“In some cases, parts are so hard to come by that insurance companies are reportedly just totaling stolen cars instead,” per The Drive. 

Hyundai and Kia have issued software fixes the automakers say will prevent further thefts. The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.

The TikTok social media challenge has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Approximately 3.8 million Hyundais and 4.5 million Kias are involved, per NHTSA.

Since November, the two automakers have provided more than 26,000 steering wheel locks to 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states. NHTSA encourages interested vehicle owners to contact local law enforcement to see if a wheel lock is available.

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