More Kias, Hyundais reported stolen from this Chicago neighborhood
'Kia boys' TikTok trend: Illinois police giving away device to deter Kia, Hyundai thefts
The surge in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles nationwide has been linked directly to a TikTok challenge showing how easy it is to steal one of the vehicles because of a security flaw. Now, one Illinois police department is taking a proactive approach to help deter future thefts.
CHICAGO - Chicago police issued a community alert for residents in the Lake Meadows neighborhood after at least six Kias and Hyundais were either stolen or had their steering column damaged across a three-day period.
In each incident, the victim parked their vehicle and when they returned, they found their car stolen or the interior damaged.
The break-ins happened at the following times and locations:
- At 3:30 p.m. on March 11 in the 500 block of East 32nd Street
- At 4 p.m. on March 11 in the 3600 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue
- Between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 11 in the 3500 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue
- At 7:15 a.m. on March 12 in the 500 block of East 33rd Place
- Between 5:45 p.m. on March 11 to 11:15 a.m. on March 12 in the 500 block of East 33rd Place
- At 9 a.m. on March 13 in the 3500 block of South Rhodes Avenue
A recent spike in Kia and Hyundai thefts has been prompted by a viral challenge on TikTok.
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TikTok users have been posting videos under the hashtag "Kia Boys," teaching people how to start Kia or Hyundai vehicles without keys, using the tip of a phone charger or USB cable, prompting juveniles across the country to try and steal those vehicles.
Last August, Chicago police said the challenge has led to a 767% increase in Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts in the area.