Valley Residents Warned Of TikTok-Inspired Vehicle Thefts

LOS ANGELES, CA — A TikTok challenge that exposed the vulnerabilities of vehicles manufactured by KIA and Hyundai has led to an uptick in vehicle thefts in the San Fernando Valley area, the Los Angeles Police Department is warning.

"Over the past few weeks, the Van Nuys area has experienced an increase in the theft of vehicles
manufactured by KIA and Hyundai. For those unaware a “TikTok” challenge which went viral
last year and introduced the country to the “KIA Boys,” the LAPD warned in a written release. "This social media challenge explained in detail how to steal vehicles manufactured by these companies with minimum effort. It exposed a major flaw in the ignition systems utilizing a keyed switch. This had a major effect, increasing vehicle thefts exponentially, generating additional social media videos and lawsuits."

Since the “TikTok” challenge went viral, KIA and Hyundai generated a software fix and issued recalls for certain vehicles. Now police are urging KIA and Hyundai vehicle owners to contact their local dealerships to retrofit their keyed ignition switches.

"Additionally, using an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel club in conjunction with the manufacturer’s update is an added deterrent," according to the LAPD.

KIA and Hyundai may even be able to get steering wheel clubs from their local police station.

Anyone with information on suspects stealing KIA and Hyundai vehicles is urged to contact Van Nuys Auto Detective Guy Pereira at (818) 374-0015 or (818) 374-0020. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone
wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-
TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.