In the city of Fremont, along with other locations across the nation, Hyundai and Kia owners find themselves increasingly targeted by thieves. According to a recent Fremont Police Department report, auto theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the city has skyrocketed more than 1,200% from August 2021 to August 2023, with a staggering 200 such vehicles stolen this year alone.
Fremont Hyundai and Kia owners: watch out for your vehicle!
— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) August 31, 2023
More than 200 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been stolen this year, and reports of stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles in Fremont have increased more than 1000% from 2022 to 2023.
Learn more at https://t.co/t5JB5Oyv6r pic.twitter.com/PZoWhGTVOd
The origin of this unfolding crisis can be traced back to a seemingly innocent source: TikTok. A so-called 'challenge' that went viral on the social media platform in 2022, showcases a method for effortlessly stealing these vehicles by using simple household items – igniting the engine within 30 seconds. This appalling trend aligns with the alarming national statistics on auto theft, which saw more than one million vehicles stolen in 2022.
Owners of such vehicles in Fremont and beyond, who bear the brunt of higher insurance premiums, replacement costs, and repair fees, are left feeling exposed and vulnerable. The theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles not only adversely impacts overall vehicle theft-related activity, but also poses even greater threats to public safety.
In response to this, Hyundai and Kia dealerships have begun offering software updates to increase the security of their vehicles, requiring the use of a key fob to start the car. The dealerships also provide stickers for these upgraded vehicles to signal to would-be thieves that the vehicle has been secured.
Beyond these security upgrades, authorities advise adopting additional auto theft prevention measures like steering wheel locks, residential surveillance cameras, and tracking devices, and utilizing well-lit or secure parking locations.
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