Kia and Hyundai continue to grapple with a rash of thefts perpetrated by teenagers, often fueled by a desire for social media notoriety. These thefts exploit a vulnerability in certain models that lack crucial security updates.
A recent incident in Willoughby, Ohio exemplifies this trend. A group of five teenagers, including three girls, stole a Kia Telluride and went for a joyride. While the late-night escapade raises questions about the teens’ whereabouts, the top priority for police became apprehending the young joyriders.
Despite capturing the girls on camera at a gas station, they managed to elude officers and speed off in the stolen vehicle. The ensuing chase reached dangerous speeds, forcing authorities to abandon the pursuit for safety reasons.
However, this doesn’t mark the end of the case. Law enforcement is now leveraging social media in an attempt to identify the culprits and bring them to justice. This incident underscores the importance of car owners promptly installing security patches to safeguard their vehicles, especially those identified as susceptible to these thefts.
A glimmer of hope emerged in the stolen Kia case. Two young women, accompanied by their parents, surrendered to police. However, the joy was short-lived.
Later that day, officers spotted the stolen car again, this time with a new passenger a third Kia Boy. The joyride ended abruptly as the boys ditched the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving law enforcement hot on their trail.
Meanwhile, Kia and Hyundai are urging owners to get software updates that act as a shield against the Kia Boys. These updates address a security gap that allowed thieves to bypass the ignition system using a simple USB cable, thanks to the lack of an immobilizer.
With the update in place, the engine remains stubbornly silent, even if the Kia Boys manage to break in. Unfortunately, some remain undeterred, breaking into cars regardless of potential updates.
To further fortify their vehicles, authorities across several states are recommending additional security measures for Kia and Hyundai owners.
Steering wheel locks provide a physical barrier, while AirTags can offer real-time location tracking in case of theft. As always, the police emphasize the importance of immediate reporting if your car goes missing.
