In Chicago, thefts of Kia and Hyundai models have increased by 767 percent due to a TikTok challenge that provides instructions on how to steal the vehicles. This disturbing trend has been documented across the United States.
Since the beginning of July compared to the same period in 2021, thefts of the two car models in Chicago have increased by a frightening 767 percent.
Despite the removal of the original Kia challenge video, copycats have emerged to the point where TikTok has requested users to report any copies.
The challenge, posted to the social video site under the hashtag #KiaBoyz, demonstrates to viewers that a phone charger or USB cable can be used to start an automobile.
The Chicago Police Department stated in a statement, “These auto thefts are crimes of opportunity that can damage any member of the community.”
This ominous trend appears to be affecting communities across the United States, thus the city is not alone in its struggle.
Chicago is the most recent city to fall victim to the latest TikTok challenge, which demonstrates how to start Kia and Hyundai vehicles using only a USB cord.
Chicago police report that thefts of the two car manufacturers have increased by a staggering 767 percent since the beginning of July compared to the same period in 2021.
Despite the removal of the original Kia challenge video, copycats have emerged to the point where TikTok has requested users to report any copies.
The challenge, which users upload to the social video site with the hashtag #KiaBoyz, demonstrates to impressionable viewers that a phone charger or USB cable can be used to start a Hyundai or a Kia.
“These auto thefts are crimes of opportunity that can harm virtually anyone in the community,” the Chicago Police Department said in a statement.
Chicago is the most recent city to fall victim to the latest TikTok challenge, which demonstrates how to start Kia and Hyundai vehicles using only a USB cord.
Chicago police report that thefts of the two car manufacturers have increased by a staggering 767 percent since the beginning of July compared to the same period in 2021.
The Chicago Police Department stated in a statement, “These auto thefts are crimes of opportunity that can damage any member of the community.”
A capture from one viral TikTok demonstrates how a phone charger or USB cable can be used to start a stolen vehicle.
This ominous trend appears to be affecting communities across the United States, thus the city is not alone in its struggle.
Hyundai thefts are up 153 percent in Portland, Oregon, while Kia thefts are up 269 percent, according to municipal police.
According to the New York Post, the two brands accounted for 38 percent of all stolen vehicles in Columbus, Ohio in 2022.
KTLA reports that 20 percent of stolen cars in Los Angeles are Kias and Hyundais, up from 13 percent at same time last year.
The bulk of stolen vehicles in Charlotte were Kias and Hyundais, 30 percent more than usual for this time of year, according to police reports.
When confronted with the videos by WHIO, TikTok issued the following statement: ‘We do not condone these types of films, and they are being deleted from our platforms. We employ a combination of technology and safety teams to verify that our material adheres to the TikTok Community guidelines.
Since 2021, numerous videos have gone viral demonstrating how to hotwire Kia and Hyundai automobiles.
Kia Boyz-related thefts account for two-thirds of the city’s stolen vehicles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Beginning in 2021, this type of theft is believed to have originated in Wisconsin.
In June, Fox 9 observed an increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts around the Twin Cities. At the time, a woman who had recently purchased a Kia Sol only to have it taken and totaled outside of her Minneapolis house stated that she would have purchased a different vehicle if she had known how easy it was to steal the vehicles.
According to TwinCities.com, a ‘Kia Boyz’ type theft was related to the murder of a 70-year-old woman named Phoua Hang, who was killed after her car was struck by a stolen Kia.
At the time of writing, no arrests have been made in connection with Hang’s death. Kia Boyz-related car thefts account for two-thirds of the city’s stolen vehicles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Authorities have recommended Kia and Hyundai owners in Milwaukee to purchase steering wheel locks or invest in more modern security systems.
In May, WISN reported that 19-year-old Antonio Carter, a member of the ‘Kia Boyz,’ was accused of pointing a ‘long gun’ at a police officer who was attempting to arrest him.
Carter was also accused of driving the stolen red Kia at 90 mph in the city’s “wrong lanes of travel.” Carter was out on bond in two active felony charges at the time of his arrest.
Kia issued the following statement on the thefts: ‘Kia America is aware of the increase in vehicle thefts of a subset of trim levels. The immobilizer is applied to all 2022 models and trims either at the beginning of the year or as a running modification.
All U.S.-sold Kia vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Kia consumers with inquiries about their Kia vehicle should call the Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4519.
Hyundai stated: “Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the increase in auto thefts in the local area.” The safety and wellbeing of our customers and the community has been and will continue to be our highest priority.
A US-posted TikTok video demonstrates how to start a Kia with simply a USB cord.
All new Hyundai vehicles come standard with engine immobilizers, which meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
In recent months, TikTok has been criticized for introducing teenagers to harmful trends such as ‘rape culture,’ how to hotwire new cars, and a heinous ‘blackout challenge’ that has murdered children.
The social media giant failed to remove misogynistic remarks by former kickboxer Andrew Tate, footage of thieves stealing KIAs and Hyundais, and information pushing minors to commit suicide by suffocation.
This is despite the fact that the tech giant’s website contains extensive community guidelines, including restrictions banning risky acts and challenges, hostile behavior, and advocating suicide or damage.
Under the Combating Harmful Actions with Transparency on Social Act, Facebook might soon be held more accountable for the site’s content across the country.
The bill aims to fight hazards to minors and increase transparency regarding the criminal usage of apps.
Concerning harmful challenges, TikTok states: “We do not allow users to share content that depicts, promotes, normalizes, or glorifies dangerous behaviors that may result in significant damage or death.”
TikTok is a platform that celebrates innovation, but not shock value or violence, the section continues.
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have all been criticized in recent months for their ineffective moderation of harmful content on their own platforms, so TikTok is not the only platform dealing with this issue.
Since its global premiere in 2017, the platform has taken the social media world by storm, enabling users to upload brief bursts of content ranging from harmless dance routines to dangerous challenges.
Both celebrities and the media have utilized the China-based company to boost their respective audiences.
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