Pittsburgh Police are sifting through the aftermath of a slew of car theft incidents that targeted specific models of vehicles citywide. According to Pittsburgh Police Media Blotter, at least ten vehicles were reported stolen, with most being either Kia or Hyundai cars due to a known security weakness. Juveniles are suspected of carrying out late-night thefts, and while there have been no arrests, detectives are digging into available evidence, which includes video surveillance.
The investigation ramped up after officers witnessed four of the said vehicles blazing through the North Side streets at dangerous speeds. The chase ended when two were discovered crashed and deserted at Eckert St. and Shadeland Ave., the juvenile suspects long vanished. All but one of the reported thefts featured the same car makes.
The department has issued a series of preventative tips to car owners. The advice ranges from basic security measures, like never leaving your vehicle running unattended and securing all doors and windows, to more Kia and Hyundai-specific guidance, such as participating in the manufacturers' recall to address the vulnerability in question.
Additional suggestions include the use of steering wheel locks, investing in GPS trackers like Apple Air Tags, and using personal dashboard cameras with Bluetooth capability. If the vulnerable vehicle models are to be kept in driveways, it's recommended to block them with another vehicle to reduce the risk of theft.
In cases of suspicious activity, Pittsburgh Police ask that citizens report their concerns by calling 9-1-1.
