Rockford police warn of TikTok car theft challenge targeting newer Kia, Hyundai vehicles

ROCKFORD — Location police departments are urging proprietors of newer product Kia and Hyundai autos to take actions to reduce their cars and trucks from currently being stolen.

The warning will come in reaction to a rash of social media posts featuring individuals tips on how to very easily steal the cars.

Numerous videos have been uploaded to TikTok, YouTube and other social media platforms this summer time advising folks on how to use a USB twine to steal a Kia created from 2011 to 2021 or a Hyundai manufactured between 2015 and 2021.

Some films demonstrate teenagers and young grownups using the stolen cars for joy rides and, in some conditions, crashing the automobiles.

More recent designs of Kia and Hyundai motor vehicles go on to be focused by thieves, the Rockford police department posted on its Facebook webpage Thursday.

“Due to the style of ignition devices in individuals motor vehicles, they have proven to be far more susceptible than many others,” Rockford law enforcement spokesperson Michelle Marcomb explained in a assertion.

Rockford law enforcement advocate proprietors of Kia and Hyundai cars use a steering wheel locking system, park in very well-lit locations, retain doors locked at all times, do not maintain private things or valuables in the auto and look at aftermarket alarm units or anti-theft units.

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Even though Freeport law enforcement have not seen a spike in thefts of Kia’s or Hyundai’s, the department is urging caution, according to Freeport Police deputy main Travis Davis.

“We’re knowledgeable of the craze and the TikTok films,” Davis explained. “We’re inquiring individuals to lock their automobile doors and report any suspicious exercise.”

Two Iowa people not too long ago submitted a course-motion lawsuit against the carmakers, alleging some Kia and Hyundai versions don’t comply with a Federal Motor Car Protection Regular that necessitates cars to have a commencing program that prevents the activation of the engine and locks the steering column as soon as the ignition crucial is removed.

The lawsuit alleges the companies “admit there is a theft and security issue with these autos but refuse to repair them, compensate shoppers or or else get actions” to address the concern, the Iowa Money Dispatch documented.

Tale continues

In a published statement, Kia America said it “is conscious of the increase in automobile thefts” and says all 2022 versions have an immobilizer in position. “All Kia motor vehicles for sale in the U.S. fulfill or exceed Federal Motor Car or truck Protection Standards,” the enterprise stated.

Hyundai Motor The usa mentioned its cars “meet or exceed Federal Motor Car Basic safety Standards” and included engine immobilizers “are common equipment on all new Hyundai automobiles.”

Ken DeCoster covers small business news and options. Call him at 815-987-1391, [email protected] or @DeCosterKen. 

This article initially appeared on Rockford Sign-up Star: Rockford law enforcement alert versus Kia, Hyundai car or truck theft TikTok problem