Those with sticky fingers are showing a preference for the Korean brands.
Walking out to your driveway only to discover someone has taken your pride and pleasure is one of life’s most terrible experiences. In addition to the tedious administrative tasks you must now do, it is terrible to think that something you have worked very hard to acquire has been stolen by a member of the criminal classes.
When Theresa Jones’ Kia Soul was stolen from the driveway of her Minnesota home, her worst nightmare came true. The victim of the auto theft described the terrifying ordeal to Fox 9 inconsolably. “I mean, it’s like entering your domain,” the speaker said. Just six weeks prior to the theft, Jones, who drove the vehicle with her mother, acquired possession.
The mother and daughter are just two of the countless owners of Hyundai and Kia who have been victimized by thieves lately. Milwaukee is not happy that the Korean automaker’s vehicles appear to be particularly simple to steal. Due to this problem, the city has previously thought about suing the firms.
Sheriff Bob Fletcher of Milwaukee claims that the recent thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are out of hand. He recently spoke to his social media followers about the issue and mentioned a gang of young thieves going by the name of “Kia Boys.”
“Watch the YouTube videos on the Milwaukee Kia Boys. It is spreading across the entire nation. Someone must approach Kia and persuade them to recall those vehicles “Fletcher remarked. In the past, Milwaukee police have claimed that Kia and Hyundai cars make up 66 percent of all stolen cars in the city.
Late generation Kia and Hyundai products can still be readily broken into by breaking the back window and messing with the steering column, despite having several security systems. Strangely, this doesn’t set off the car alarm. Theresa Jones would have made a different purchase if she had been aware of this issue. I wouldn’t have purchased a Kia Soul, to be honest.
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Is it simple to steal a Kia?
The “Kia Boys” gang is blamed by authorities for a spate of automobile thefts that occurred in Milwaukee in 2021. More children being out of school and a design weakness in some newer models of Kia and Hyundai cars, according to Milwaukee officials, are the two main causes of the rise in auto thefts.
Which models of Kia are being stolen?
CLEVELAND (WXIX) – The Forest Park Police Department is advising owners of Kia and Hyundai model cars to be cautious since it appears that thieves are picking on those automakers.
According to Forest Park police, six vehicle brand thefts have been detected since June 21. According to authorities, the most common models stolen were Kia cars from 2011 and Hyundai models from 2015.
According to authorities, the theft of these car brands appears to be a part of a national social media trend that is rapidly spreading.
The method for starting an automobile without a key appeared to have acquired popularity on social media, according to Forest Park police.
The thefts recorded in Forest Park since June 21 have occurred in a variety of places, but according to police, three automobiles were taken overnight from sizable residential buildings.
If I’m being totally honest, it’s a terrible trend. It is awful. He claimed on Tuesday that as a result, my car is lost.
Perkins claims that sometime between Monday night and early Tuesday, someone took his Hyundai from his Clifton apartment building.
I don’t know about that, but it kind of makes me steer clear of Hyundai and Kia, he added. “I never really thought it would happen to me, but going forward I think you can’t really watch your car every night, so I don’t know about that.
Police advise taking the following actions if you drive a Hyundai or a Kia model year 2011 or newer:
- Try to leave your car in a safe area, such a closed garage.
- Utilize a steering wheel lock
- Try to park in places that are well-lit.
- Always keep your doors locked.
- Never leave valuables or personal stuff in your car.
- Take into account aftermarket alarm systems or anti-theft tools.
- Any unusual behavior should be reported, especially during the evening or overnight.
If you have any information on the six car thefts, contact the Forest Park Police Department at 513-595-5220. Call 513-825-2280 or 911 to report a crime in progress or suspicious activity.
Which cars are targeted by thieves the most?
Because they are simple to steal or have in-demand replacement parts, certain car models are preferred by thieves. Owner complacency can also be a major factor in auto theft, particularly if key fobs are left in the vehicle or if you leave your car running in a driveway or parking lot. Knowing which car models are the most frequently stolen might help you decide whether you need to increase the security measures for your vehicle. The top 10 most stolen cars in America are shown below.
Dodge Full-Size Pickup
- 11,991 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2001
- Model starting cost: $21,150
The 2001 Dodge Ram is a dependable and capable vehicle that is ideal for every purpose. This may be the reason why 11,991 of them were stolen in 2020. This is 699 more than in 2019, when they were ranked seventh. Due to its lack of sophisticated anti-theft technology, this late model truck can be a common target for thieves.
Honda CR-V
- 12,309 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2000
- Model starting cost: $18,650
The CR-V has a sedan-like appearance and size, yet it still has many features that buyers demand in an SUV. In addition, the CR-V is a family-friendly SUV with front and four-wheel drive, which accounts for its appeal in many areas regardless of the weather. This could be the cause of the 12,309 thefts of such historic cars in 2020, a 2,215 percent increase over 2019.
Toyota Corolla
- 12,515 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2020
- Model starting cost: $19,600
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a compact automobile with five seats, four doors, and excellent safety technology. Unfortunately, not sufficient. A minor increase from 2019, when 12,137 units of the 2018 model were stolen, placing seventh for the year, to 2020 saw 12,515 units of same model stolen. The 2020 Toyota Corolla boasts a sharper design compared to earlier versions, a more upscale interior, and a touchscreen dashboard with Apple and Amazon integration, which may be why this car is well-liked by thieves.
GMC Full-Size Pickup
- 13,016 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2005
- Model starting cost: $18,190
Another pickup on the list is the GMC Sierra, which saw a 13.016 percent increase in thefts from 2019 to 2020 for the 2018 model. Given its price range, this quiet pickup truck with front- and all-wheel drive is a dependable choice. GMC full-size pickup truck owners may wish to invest in alarm systems since their vehicles are the third and seventh most stolen vehicles, respectively. Older versions lack the appropriate equipment to help prevent theft.
Nissan Altima
- 14,668 thefts total.
- Model starting cost: $24,300
One of the few of its kind, the Nissan Altima is a five-seat mid-size car with front and all-wheel drive. It makes sense that thieves would target this contemporary model given its slick design and numerous digital interfaces. In 2020, 14,668 units were stolen, which is 9.8% or 1,313 more than in 2019 for the 2015 model. Despite its keyless ignition’s many safety measures, owners may become complacent and leave their key fobs in the car, which can result in theft.
Toyota Camry
- 16,915 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2019.
- Base cost of the model: $24,095
A well-liked mid-size sedan for a long time, the Toyota Camry is renowned for both its dependability and high resale value. It may be so popular among thieves for this reason. For environmentally conscious drivers, the 2019 model’s fuel-efficient engine and hybrid variant may be intriguing. The theft of 16,915 units in 2020an increase of 8% from 2019 for the 2007 modelmay be attributable to such features.
Honda Accord
- 30,814 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 1997
- Base cost of the model: $15,100
Popular all over the United States, the Honda Accord is renowned for its high resale value and component dependability. However, security is constrained because of the outdated model. Just 69 or 0.2% more models were stolen in 2020 than in 2019, at 30,814. It might just take a slim jim for a criminal to get inside, which is an excellent incentive for current 1997 Honda Accord owners to increase their security.
Honda Civic
- 34,144 thefts total.
- Base cost of the model: $10,750
The 2000 Honda Civic is a well-liked choice with drivers and thieves because it is a small sedan with a lot of power. 2020 saw an increase in thefts of the same model, the 2000 Honda Civic, of 2.8 percent to 34,144 units, compared to 2019. It’s also possible that this is the case because the Honda Civic shares parts with other Honda vehicles, which makes it simple for thieves to steal pieces to resell.
Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup
- 40,968 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2004
- Model starting cost: $19,545
With 40,968 stolen examples, the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is both the second most stolen truck and the second most stolen vehicle in America in 2020. This is a massive increase of 25.7 percent from 2019. This pickup is a favorite of both consumers and thieves due to its roomy inside, excellent performance, and fantastic overall value.
Ford Full-Size Pickup
- 44,014 thefts total.
- Most stolen model: 2006.
- Model starting cost: $18,930
The 2006 Ford F-150 will be the most stolen vehicle in America in 2020. The pickup has topped the list for the past two years, with over 44,014 units stolen in 2020an increase of 13% over 2019. Given their strength, dependability, and mobility, pickup trucks are undoubtedly a favorite among thieves. But given that it has a strong engine, a roomy interior, and a fantastic hauling capacity, the F-150 in particular may be the most well-liked choice.
What vehicle is the easiest to steal?
Do you see a pattern here? Toyota Camrys are no exception to the rule that the most popular cars are the ones that thieves target the most. Criminals who steal the autos and sell the universal parts for a profit find their universal parts to be catnip. Beware if you drive a 2007 model: The most frequently stolen model last year was the 2007 Toyota Camry.
- Stolen items total 15,656.
- A popular model is the 2007
How come Kias are stolen?
The city is now experiencing a national trend of auto thefts involving particular brands. The number of stolen Hyundais and Kias, according to certain law enforcement officials in the Twin Cities, has increased.
FOX 9 – ST. PAUL, Minnesota The city is now experiencing a national trend of auto thefts involving particular brands. The number of stolen Hyundais and Kias, according to certain law enforcement officials in the Twin Cities, has increased.
Because they can be started without a key more readily than other vehicles, particular years of Hyundai and Kia are being targeted nationwide.
The Silver Kia Sol owned by Theresa Jones is now nothing more than shattered glass on the ground. It was taken on Thursday in broad daylight only a few steps from her south Minneapolis home.
“I’m like, ‘wait a minute. I point to the spot where I parked it and say, “No, it was right there.” And at that time, my head was simply blown. Are you kidding me, really?” Jones uttered.
Just a few days before they made their first car payment, the automobile she and her mother, Lynda Pierce, shared was stolen. It was only with them for six weeks.
Pierce remarked, “I mean, it’s like entering your domain. It’s just extremely scary.”
In other regions of the nation, where Kias and Hyundais are quickly taken off the streets, their tale is well known. Bob Fletcher, the sheriff of Ramsey County, even brought up the problem on Friday’s “Live on Patrol.” According to Fletcher, the problem is particularly serious in Milwaukee, where a group of young people going by the name of the “Kia Boys” steals cars all around the city.
“Watch the YouTube videos on the Milwaukee Kia Boys. It is spreading across the entire nation. Someone must approach Kia and persuade them to recall those vehicles “In the video, Fletcher remarked. “You can see what the metro area is facing by watching the recordings, and the most recent month has seen a significant increase. Two-thirds of the stolen automobiles in Milwaukee are Kias and Hyundais, and there have been tens of thousands of them.”
According to Fox 9, St. Paul police have noticed an upsurge in stolen Kias and Hyundais, and they find the pattern worrisome.
“I did not grow up in this society. We held ourselves and one another in high regard. These individuals respect nothing “Pierce said.
The mother-daughter team of Pierce and Jones claimed that they would have chosen a different vehicle if they had known how easily these cars might be stolen.
Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Milwaukee have been advised by police to purchase steering wheel locks, and if possible, to invest in security systems and park in secure garages.
Can Kia find a stolen vehicle?
- Service for Emergency Rescue When driving is difficult because of an accident or a natural disaster, the rescue service is offered. The intricacy or duration of the rescue service, however, may result in an additional fee.
- Service for Emergency Towing When driving is not feasible because of a malfunction or accident, an emergency towing service is offered. Up to 10 kilometers from the starting point of the towing, there is no charge. When the free towing distance is exceeded, there is an additional charge.
- Gas Emergency Service When driving is difficult due to running out of fuel, up to 3L of gasoline or diesel is offered without charge. However, emergency fuel service is not an option for LPG vehicles, so emergency towing service is offered instead.
- Service for Battery Charging Free battery charging is available when operating the car is difficult due to battery discharge. If the consumer wishes to have the battery changed, they are responsible for covering the cost.
- Lockdown Service If the vehicle’s key is lost or the doors lock while the key is inside, the unlock service is free of charge (however, the lock of trunk is excluded).
- Exchange of tires The service to change the tire with the spare tire kept in the vehicle is available if driving is difficult due to a flat or damaged tire. However, if a consumer wants to change their tire to a new one, they are responsible for paying the fee. Since handling at the scene is impossible when a vehicle has no spare tire or when two or more tires are destroyed, an emergency towing service is offered.
- Additional emergency services on-site Emergency services are available at the location and are free of charge if driving is not possible. However, the client is responsible for covering any costs associated with repairing or exchanging any part.
- If you need basic information or non-emergency travel directions, use Kia Connect Center. It can also provide urgent assistance in other emergency situations.
- Vehicles that are not registered in Kia Connect are not eligible for services. (For instance, other cars owned by the Kia Connect subscriber client, cars owned by other family members.)
- For the safety of the customer, an emergency towing service is offered when applicable regulations forbid working on roads. (For example, a bridge, expressway, or highway)
- Depending on what the consumer wants, the subscribing insurance provider or Hyundai Hi-car Damage Assessment, a partner of Kia Connect, will offer services for towing, door unlocking, tire change, emergency gas, and battery changing.
- KIA emergency dispatch service is offered in the event of any other item, including the warranty repair. In this instance, the service is governed by the terms and conditions of the customer’s new car warranty.
- Please advise Kia Connect Center of any changes to your license number, insurance provider, or emergency contact information for prompt assistance (1899-2121).
By verifying the theft report to the police, this service is intended to facilitate the swift recovery of a stolen vehicle in accordance with the policy.
When a car is stolen, Kia Connect Emergency Rescue Center assists in the quick and efficient tracking of the stolen vehicle by giving the authorities access to the vehicle’s current location and journey in real-time.
- Once connected to the Kia Connect Center by phone (1899-2121), choose the Theft Tracking Service and follow the ARS instructions to connect with a counselor. The theft tracking service is offered following confirmation of the police report through the customer identification process.
- The Theft Tracking service is not offered for any case that is not reported to the police in order to prevent invasion of customer privacy or misuse of the service.
- The service is only offered when the police request it in order to protect private information and location data.
- Only subscribers to Kia Connect Services are eligible for the service. A specific identification process is carried out for the service.
A text message is automatically delivered to the customer’s mobile phone if the car theft alarm is activated.
Sending an SMS to the customer’s registered mobile phone will stop the theft or towing of the customer’s vehicle if the vehicle theft alarm is activated.
- The signal from the car theft alarm is promptly sent to the Kia Connect Emergency Rescue Center.
- A SMS alerting the theft alarm is immediately sent to the customer’s mobile phone upon signal reception.
- Only when the vehicle’s theft alarm is engaged is a theft alarm notification given.
- Vehicles without a theft alarm system are not offered with Theft Alarm Notification.
- If any door, the engine hood, or the trunk locked by the smart key (or remote key) is opened without using the smart key, the vehicle theft alarm refers to the alarm by flashing emergency lights and activating the alert sound (or remote key).
- The general key can be used to activate or deactivate the theft alarm system in various automobiles (or spare key).
- Theft Alarm Notification is not activated if the door is locked with a key that is not the smart key.
To help prevent accidents, be aware of your driver’s driving circumstances and contact a representative.
In order to automatically detect and concentrate on driving when an alarm is triggered during the operation of the careless driving alarm system, this service establishes a direct telephone connection with Kia Connect counselors.
- The instrument cluster will be alerted to the careless driving situation in the event of a vehicle’s careless driving alarm.
- The Kia Connect emergency recovery center is immediately identified and linked to the customer’s vehicle phone if it is determined that the driver is engaging in careless driving.
- Only when an alarm sounds while the vehicle’s inadvertent driving alarm system is in operation is the inattentive driving notification service offered.
- distracted driving The Inattentive Driving Notice Service is unavailable if the car does not have an alarm system.