Thieves Targeting Kias, Hyundais In Montville Thefts: Police

MONTVILLE, CT — Montville police said they have seen an increase in car break-ins and stolen vehicles, particularly those that are part of the "Kia Boy Trend." The news comes as vehicle thefts have increased by a third across Connecticut.

Montville police posted the following on Facebook:

"As you know, we’ve had an increase in car breaks and stolen vehicles. Although some cars are stolen with the keys in them, some aren’t. The 'Kia Boy Trend' has been hitting our area with about half of our vehicles being stolen by this method. Criminals are targeting certain Kia models (manufactured from 2011 to 2021) and certain Hyundai models (manufactured from 2016 to 2021) using the 'Kia Boy' technique.

"If you own a Kia or Hyundai manufactured during the listed time frames, please contact your local dealership to see if your model of car needs a software upgrade that helps prevent these vehicles from being stolen by this method. Vehicle owners can also contact Kia at (800) 333-4542 and Hyundai at (800) 633-5151 for more information on the software update.

"In addition to this software upgrade, we strongly recommend Kia and Hyundai owners utilize security items, such as a steering wheel anti-theft device, which can serve as a visual deterrent to would-be thieves."

Kias and Hyundais don't have anti-theft immobilizers that are standard in most other vehicles. Attorney generals from nearly two dozen states have called on the manufacturers to make their vehicles more secure.

See related: Crimewave: Vehicle Thefts Up 33% In Connecticut

RI Attorney General Calls On Kia, Hyundai To Prevent Car Thefts