Crime & Safety
TikTok 'Challenge' Inspires Thieves To Target 2 Vehicle Brands In Camden County: Police
The videos show people how to steal the cars with a USB. Here's how vehicle owners can prevent it.
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, NJ — A TikTok "challenge" showing people how to steal vehicles with a USB has hit home, according to a police department in Camden County.
Over the last 10 days, the Pennsauken Township Police Department has been called to investigate several thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Social-media videos showing people how to steal both makes have been well-documented.
Pennsauken police believe the trend has finally reached the township, as it has in other communities throughout the county and state over the past several months.
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Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2015-19 lack electric mobilizers that prevent thieves from breaking in, making the heists reportedly easy to pull off, The Verge reported. However, other vehicles from the brands have been targeted.
Earlier this year, the companies agreed to a $200 million settlement stemming from a class-action lawsuit linked to the spike in thefts. The so-called "Kia Challenge" has resulted in at least 14 crashes and eight deaths, the U.S. Department of Transportation said in February.
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How To Prevent The Thefts
Kia and Hyundai created free theft-deterrent software for millions of vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will install them for free. Federal transportation officials urge owners of the vehicles to contact Hyundai (800-633-5151) or Kia (800-333-4542) for more information about the update.
Kia dealerships recommend that owners make an appointment for the software upgrade. The following models qualify at no cost:
- 2011-2022 Sportage
- 2011-2020 Optima
- 2011-2022 Sorento
- 2011-2021 Forte
- 2020-2022 Soul
- 2012-2021 Rio
- 2011-2021 Sedona
- 2021-2022 Seltos
- 2021-2022 K5
Hyundai owners can visit hyundaiantitheft.com and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is eligible. The following Hyundai models qualify for an upgrade:
- 2018-2022 Accent
- 2011-2022 Elantra
- 2013-2020 Elantra GT
- 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe
- 2018-2022 Kona
- 2020-2021 Palisade
- 2013-2022 Santa Fe
- 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport
- 2019 Santa Fe XL
- 2011-2019 Sonata
- 2011-2022 Tucson
- 2018-2021 Veloster
- 2020-2021 Venue
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