Massachusetts Sees Spike in Kia, Hyundai Car Thefts Tied to Social Media Challenge
A worrying social media trend has set off a wave of car thefts across Massachusetts. Thieves are going after Kia and Hyundai vehicles, breaking their ignitions and sharing videos of…
COLMA, CA – APRIL 07: Brand new Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs are displayed at a Hyundai dealership on April 7, 2017 in Colma, California. South Korean automakers Kia and Hyundai announced that they are recalling 1.4 million cars and SUVs in the U.S., Canada and South Korea for a potential problem that causes engine failure or stalling. The recall includes 2013 and 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs as well as 2011 – 2014 Kia Optima, 2011 – 2013 Kia Sportage SUVs and 2012 – 2014 and Kia Sorento SUVs. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A worrying social media trend has set off a wave of car thefts across Massachusetts. Thieves are going after Kia and Hyundai vehicles, breaking their ignitions and sharing videos of reckless joyrides online.
"The perpetrators often lack driving experience, leading to crashes and potential harm to themselves or others," said Norwood Police Sgt. Brett Baker to CBS News Boston.
Numbers show the Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car in 2023, with thieves taking 31,700 of them. The Sonata came in second with 26,720 thefts. The Kia Optima landed in fifth place, with crooks stealing 17,490 cars.
A scary incident in Norwood showed just how bad things have gotten. Police discovered three crashed stolen cars dumped in one spot. The youngest person involved was just 13 years old.
Cars made between 2011 and 2021 are the most at risk. These models don't have newer safety features like push-button starts and anti-theft systems, making them easy targets.
New software updates have cut down thefts by 64%. Still, claims are 11 times higher than before 2020, showing thieves are still at it.
While car theft across the country dropped 17% in 2024 - the biggest fall in 40 years - damage claims keep going up. This means criminals are still trying to steal protected cars, causing damage even when they can't take them.
Police are asking owners to go to dealerships for security updates. Both carmakers now offer free software fixes to stop these thefts.
