Edgewood residents woke up Wednesday to find a rough scene on their streets. Several Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the borough had been damaged overnight Monday, and one car was gone, later recovered in Pittsburgh, according to police. Edgewood officers say the suspects seem to be zeroing in on older models with traditional turn-to-start key ignitions that lack factory engine immobilizers, which makes them easier to bypass. Police are urging owners to stay alert, lock up carefully and consider visible deterrents while the investigation plays out.
Police: Older Kias and Hyundais targeted
According to WPXI, the Edgewood Police Department reported that multiple Hyundai and Kia vehicles were damaged overnight and that a stolen vehicle tied to the same spree was later recovered in Pittsburgh. The department is warning that models built roughly from 2011 through 2021 that use a traditional steel key and turn-to-start ignition are especially vulnerable, while vehicles equipped with push-button starts are usually not affected. Officers are reminding drivers about basic prevention steps, including getting the manufacturers' free software update, using a visible steering-wheel lock and parking in well-lit spots with valuables out of sight.
Why the automakers rolled out fixes
Nationally, a spike in thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models has been linked to social media videos that demonstrate how to start those cars without a key, as described in industry reports and by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. NICB and other analysts say that attention pushed insurers and the automakers to move faster on anti-theft fixes. A bulletin from NHTSA outlines free Kia software patches that dealers can install to limit the ability to start a vehicle during a break-in.
What owners can do now
Hyundai's technical documents describe Service Campaign 993, a dealer-installed IBU/BCM software update that adds ignition and alarm logic and also includes window decals. Where the software is not feasible, dealers can provide steering-wheel locks or cylinder protectors. Hyundai notes that owners must lock the car with the key fob to arm the updated anti-theft features and that some aftermarket remote-start systems may interfere with the fix. If you are not sure whether your VIN is eligible, police suggest contacting your dealer or calling the Edgewood Police non-emergency line for help with reporting damage or theft.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Edgewood Police Department at (412) 242-0958 or dial 911 if a crime is in progress. For non-emergency contact details and reporting instructions, visit the borough's police page at Edgewood Borough Police.
