spot_imgspot_img

Phoenix sees 719% increase in Kia thefts, 412% for Hyundai in 2023

(The Center Square) – Car thefts of two kinds of vehicles in Phoenix have skyrocketed due to a social media trend showing how easily they can be broken into.

The Phoenix Police Department released crime statistics showing violent crimes are slightly lower in the first half of the year compared to the same time in 2022. Property crimes are also down by 10% overall.

The department considers burglary, theft, arson and motor vehicle theft in the category of property crimes. All of those dropped except for stolen vehicles, up 4% on the year compared to the first half of last year.

Of the vehicles stolen, all measured model theft had fallen with the exception of Kia and Hyundai-brand vehicles.

“This increase is, in part, is believed to be associated with a social media trend involving the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles,” the report said. “Had the number of Kia and Hyundai thefts remained the same as 2022, overall auto thefts would have decreased by 24%.”

From Jan. 1 to July 31, Kia-model vehicles saw a 719% increase in the number of cars stolen. Hyundai owners saw a 412% spike in their cars being stolen.

The report considered the possibility that car thieves chose Kia and Hyundai makes over other vehicles, which would explain the drop in thefts for other makes and the increase in Kia and Hyundai makes.

Earlier this year, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 17 other attorneys general in calling on the National Transportation Safety Board to force the two carmakers to recall vehicles with the vulnerability to theft.

“Hyundai and Kia’s failure to adequately address their vehicles’ alarming theft rate is unacceptable and harmful to consumers,” she said. “I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take swift action and institute a recall of these unsafe vehicles, which have not only harmed car owners but also consumed valuable law enforcement resources.”

The carmakers agreed in May to a $200 million settlement with car owners over the thefts.

The stealing frenzy is fueled by a social media trend on TikTok showing that the two car types, both manufactured by Hyundai, lack a security mechanism called “an Immobilizer” that disables the vehicle if the ignition is tampered with.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...

California goods inflation down, wages up, fueling possible housing bubble

(The Center Square) - According to new reports from...

Census: Arizona remains a top destination for moving Americans

(The Center Square)— New estimates from the U.S. Census...

Ohio school district adopts controversial ‘Grading for Equity’ policies

A school district outside Cleveland, Ohio, will have staff...

More like this
Related

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...