Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cables

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are warning about a social media pattern that demonstrates how criminals can use a USB cable — in its place of a important — to get started Kias and Hyundais.

Basically, folks are breaking into these cars, getting aside the ignition, and starting up the car with a cell phone charger (USB cord).

It’s building the well-liked cars a key target for vehicle intruders. The scenarios are growing across the U.S. and Florida.

In accordance to the St. Petersburg Police Office, 23 of the 56 cars and trucks stolen because July 11 (40%) had been Kia or Hyundai designs, WFLA noted.

Law enforcement human body camera footage confirmed a takedown at gunpoint Tuesday, as Volusia County deputies arrested three young people driving a stolen Kia Soul.

“Keep your arms exactly where I can see them — now wander back again to the seem of my voice,” a deputy yelled as three men and women inside the SUV, parked at a gas station, exited the car.

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Two 14-12 months-olds and a 17-yr-outdated are now in large difficulties — billed with grand theft car right after deputies claimed they stole the SUV based mostly on a social media trend.

“They just ripped it apart and they started off it correct absent,” Edwin Rodriguez, the operator of the SUV, explained to Information4JAX sister station WKMG.

Rodriguez claimed the juveniles broke his window as the SUV was parked at his Deland condominium. They boosted his car in seconds.

“It receives you extremely upset, quite mad, in particular for reduced-profits folks,” he explained to WKMG.

That very same working day, deputies recovered yet another stolen Kia Soul. It seems robbers did the exact point. Deputies mentioned there was a third try close by.

“Stealing the SUVs is effortless as 1-2-3,” in accordance to move-by-action directions on YouTube and TikTok.

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Thieves tear out the steering column at the rear of a push-to-commence button and use a basic USB cable to commence the ignition. This impacts Kia styles from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai products from 2015 to 2021. Both providers say 2022 motor vehicles have been modified to protect against this.

The proprietors we spoke to had no concept this could occur.

“They’re coming up with new (expletive) each day,” Matty, who drives a Kia, instructed News4JAX.

Jacksonville car theft detectives claimed they are perfectly aware of the craze. Christian Hancock, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Place of work, explained at least two people today have been arrested in Jacksonville for these unique conditions.

“It mimics what you see on social media,” Hancock explained. “The suspects utilized this methodology that they are showing on social media.”

Officers are now warning all drivers to lock their doorways, park in a effectively-lit area around cameras, maintain valuables out of the automobile and take into consideration a steering wheel lock.

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“You can do items to make on your own a non-sufferer, or at the very least support that,” Hancock extra. “Do anything you can do, and the lousy guy will shift on to the up coming one particular.”

KIA and Hyundai spokespeople claimed any person with queries about their car’s protection can simply call purchaser guidance.

“Kia The us is aware of the rise in motor vehicle thefts of a subset of trim stage vehicles in your location. As of the latest 2022 Design Calendar year, all Kia autos have an motor immobilizer fitted as standard. All Kia cars for sale in the U.S. fulfill or exceed Federal Motor Motor vehicle Protection Requirements,” the organization reported in a statement. “Kia shoppers with questions with regards to their Kia vehicle ought to contact the Shopper Aid Centre instantly at 1-800-333-4542 (4Kia).”

“Hyundai Motor The us is anxious with the rise in nearby vehicle thefts,” the company wrote. “The basic safety and nicely-currently being of our shoppers and the local community is and will stay our major precedence. These autos meet up with or exceed Federal Motor Automobile Safety Expectations and engine immobilizers are conventional tools on all new Hyundai motor vehicles. Hyundai clients who have concerns can often call the Hyundai Consumer Support Centre at 800-633-5151.”

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The makers of TikTok and YouTube are inquiring any person who sees the films about stealing cars to report them straight away.