Social media trend encourages people to steal Kia, Hyundai cars using USB cables

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are warning about a social media craze that displays how criminals can use a USB cable — as a substitute of a important — to begin Kias and Hyundais.

Essentially, people today are breaking into these automobiles, using apart the ignition, and starting up the auto with a mobile phone charger (USB twine).

It is producing the well known vehicles a primary concentrate on for car or truck intruders. The conditions are increasing across the U.S. and Florida.

According to the St. Petersburg Law enforcement Division, 23 of the 56 cars and trucks stolen considering that July 11 (40%) had been Kia or Hyundai styles, WFLA documented.

Law enforcement physique digicam footage confirmed a takedown at gunpoint Tuesday, as Volusia County deputies arrested a few young people driving a stolen Kia Soul.

“Keep your palms in which I can see them — now wander again to the sound of my voice,” a deputy yelled as three people inside of the SUV, parked at a gas station, exited the car or truck.

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Two 14-yr-olds and a 17-yr-old are now in major issues — billed with grand theft auto just after deputies reported they stole the SUV primarily based on a social media development.

“They just ripped it aside and they begun it suitable absent,” Edwin Rodriguez, the proprietor of the SUV, told Information4JAX sister station WKMG.

Rodriguez mentioned the juveniles broke his window as the SUV was parked at his Deland apartment. They boosted his motor vehicle in seconds.

“It gets you extremely upset, quite mad, specifically for lower-profits people today,” he explained to WKMG.

That same day, deputies recovered an additional stolen Kia Soul. It seems burglars did the very same point. Deputies mentioned there was a 3rd endeavor close by.

“Stealing the SUVs is easy as 1-2-3,” in accordance to stage-by-move directions on YouTube and TikTok.

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Burglars tear out the steering column and use a simple USB cable to commence the ignition. This influences Kia models from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai styles from 2015 to 2021. The two organizations say 2022 motor vehicles have been modified to avert this.

The house owners we spoke to experienced no concept this could materialize.

“They’re coming up with new (expletive) just about every day,” Matty, who drives a Kia, informed Information4JAX.

Jacksonville automobile theft detectives stated they are well informed of the development. Christian Hancock, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace, stated at minimum two folks have been arrested in Jacksonville for these distinct circumstances.

“It mimics what you see on social media,” Hancock said. “The suspects used this methodology that they’re displaying on social media.”

Officers are now warning all drivers to lock their doors, park in a nicely-lit house close to cameras, maintain valuables out of the auto and take into consideration a steering wheel lock.

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“You can do items to make your self a non-victim, or at minimum assistance that,” Hancock added. “Do almost everything you can do, and the undesirable man will move on to the next just one.”

KIA and Hyundai spokespeople said anybody with queries about their car’s safety can phone customer guidance.

“Kia America is mindful of the rise in vehicle thefts of a subset of trim level autos in your area. As of the present 2022 Model Year, all Kia autos have an motor immobilizer fitted as common. All Kia vehicles for sale in the U.S. meet up with or exceed Federal Motor Motor vehicle Security Benchmarks,” the business mentioned in a assertion. “Kia clients with questions with regards to their Kia car really should contact the Customer Assistance Middle specifically at 1-800-333-4542 (4Kia).”

“Hyundai Motor The usa is worried with the increase in local vehicle thefts,” the firm wrote. “The basic safety and properly-getting of our shoppers and the group is and will keep on being our leading priority. These motor vehicles satisfy or exceed Federal Motor Car or truck Basic safety Criteria and motor immobilizers are common machines on all new Hyundai cars. Hyundai shoppers who have queries can often get in touch with the Hyundai Client Help Centre at 800-633-5151.”

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The makers of TikTok and YouTube are inquiring anyone who sees the films about stealing vehicles to report them quickly.