A viral social media challenge continues to plague car owners in the United States, particularly those in Detroit. The challenge, which involves stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles due to a lack of immobilizers in certain models, has resulted in a surge in thefts.
The ease of stealing these cars, sometimes taking only 25 seconds, has emboldened teenagers who see it as an online stunt. One recent victim, Nicole Massey, became aware of the Kia Boys and their methods after her 2021 Kia Rio was stolen from her driveway.
Fortunately, Massey’s familiarity with the group helped her track down the stolen car. A recent Kia Boys theft in Detroit showcased the challenges of curbing this growing trend.
The victim’s Kia Rio was stolen and later spotted cruising around the city in a social media video. The owner then tracked down the car and called the police, but the thieves had vanished.
Kia and Hyundai vehicles, particularly those lacking engine immobilizers, have become easy targets for these thefts often perpetrated by teenagers. These thefts can cause significant damage to the vehicles even if they aren’t successfully stolen.
To address this issue, carmakers have released software updates to prevent Kia Boys from bypassing security features. Until these updates are widely adopted, Kia and Hyundai owners are recommended to use additional security measures like steering wheel locks or AirTags.
