Owners of certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles in New Bedford, Massachusetts, are getting an unusual message from local police. Officers are now leaving warning cards on parked vehicles to remind drivers that their cars could be targeted by thieves.
The initiative comes years after the infamous “Kia Challenge” helped fuel a nationwide surge in thefts involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hyundai and Kia thefts jumped 95 percent in the summer of 2022 compared with 2021 as videos demonstrating the theft method spread online.
New Bedford Police spokesperson Holly Huntoon told WBSM that the cards are part of a crime-prevention and community-outreach effort. Rather than waiting until another vehicle disappears, officers are trying to get owners to take additional precautions before thieves strike.
There is another complication: even owners whose vehicles aren’t actually vulnerable could still end up with a smashed window. Police warn that thieves may not know whether a particular Hyundai or Kia can be stolen using the widely publicized method until after they have already broken into it.
Some Kias And Hyundais Remain Vulnerable
The original vulnerability primarily affects certain 2011-2021 Kia models and 2015-2021 Hyundai models that were built without engine immobilizers. The flaw became notorious after videos circulated online showing how some vehicles with traditional ignition systems could be started without a key.
Hyundai and Kia subsequently introduced anti-theft software updates for eligible vehicles. New Bedford Police is encouraging owners to contact their dealership to determine whether all available software updates and security enhancements have been installed.
The problem is that the badge alone can attract unwanted attention. Huntoon emphasized that thieves often cannot distinguish a vulnerable model from one that already has improved security, potentially leaving owners with damage even when the vehicle itself cannot be stolen.
Police Want Owners To Make Their Cars Harder Targets
The bilingual cards advise owners to lock their vehicles, remove their keys, park in well-lit areas when possible, and consider using a steering-wheel lock. That last measure is especially visible through a window and could convince a would-be thief that the car isn’t worth the extra effort.
Police say officers may leave the informational cards when they encounter Hyundai or Kia vehicles while on patrol. The notices are similar in concept to reminders the department already uses to encourage residents to lock their cars.
The campaign shows just how long the consequences of the Kia theft trend have lasted. Years after the vulnerability became national news and manufacturers began rolling out fixes, police are still dealing with theft attempts and trying to convince owners to protect vehicles that remain potential targets.
For Hyundai and Kia drivers, checking for available security updates is worthwhile even if their car has never been targeted. A steering-wheel lock may look decidedly old-school, but in this case, a highly visible mechanical deterrent could also save an owner from waking up to a broken window.
Do you own a Korean car, and do you worry about someone stealing it? What are the things you do to deter thieves? Let us know in the comments.