Lynn Men Charged Amid Rash Of Salem Kia, Hyundai Thefts

SALEM, MA — Weeks after warning residents about an increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts regionally with social media videos circulating about how those brands of vehicles can be easily stolen, Salem police on Thursday charged two men and a juvenile they said attempted to flee a traffic stop after stealing a 2016 Hyundai Sonata in the city.

Police said the car was reported stolen shortly after 1 a.m. and patrols located the car before a traffic stop was conducted on Bridge Street at Skerry Street. Police said three people in the car — one of whom was a juvenile and was the driver — attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended.

Sannell Edtimee Castro, age 20, of Lynn, was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Wilbert Vidal-Campusano, age 21, of Lynn, was charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Police said the juvenile driver was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Police said earlier this month that videos trending on social media show how people can manipulate the ignition and start the car, and will then include posts of those stolen vehicles being joyridden dangerously after the thefts.

Police said three vehicles in Salem were stolen in the same fashion in the area of 1000 Loring Avenue on Dec. 27 with two of them Hyundais and one a Kia.

Two of the cars at the time were found in the area with smashed windows.

"The Salem Police Department urges owners of these types of motor vehicles to be vigilant," police said. "Taking certain precautions like parking in a well-lit, or high foot traffic area or garage if available, along with steering wheel immobilizers, may help deter would-be car thieves.

"In addition, owners should contact the dealer for additional suggestions."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)