Police in Massachusetts warn Hyundai and Kia owners about car theft risk

Full text

Hyundai and Kia owners are being told to lock their cars and park in well-lit areas.

Millions of Hyundai and Kia models were built without engine immobilizers.

Thefts of vulnerable models from the brands have been falling from their highs.

Thanks to better awareness, security software updates, free steering locks, and dozens of lawsuits, it had seemed as though Hyundai and Kia had finally gotten on top of thefts of their vehicles across the United States. While the figures show thefts have dropped, authorities in New Bedford, Massachusetts, continue to warn Hyundai and Kia owners that their vehicles could be targeted.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("0f7e3106-c4d6-4db4-8135-c508879a76f8");

} else {

adpushup.triggerAd("82503191-e1d1-435a-874f-9c78a2a54a2f");

}

});

Local authorities have recently started leaving cards on Hyundai and Kia models parked across the area, warning them about the risk of theft. The cards, with both English and Spanish text, alert owners that their vehicle could be targeted and remind them to always lock their doors, never leave keys inside, park in well-lit areas, and consider using a steering wheel lock.

Thieves Can’t Tell The Difference

“This notice was placed on your vehicle by the New Bedford Police Department as a courtesy,” it reads. “Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been specifically targeted by thieves across the country. Even if your vehicle is NOT one of the vulnerable models, thieves often cannot tell the difference until after they have broken into your vehicle.”

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform === "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("ea4d4b5a-f8e5-4d5d-9d9a-53a3b956b6cd");

} else{

adpushup.triggerAd("44c0a4dc-e25b-4ba5-ac64-2c510461b92a");

}

});

Read: Hyundai And Kia To Retrofit Millions Of Cars After Years Of Theft

That final sentence references the fact that thefts of select Hyundai and Kia models surged in the US after the Covid-19 pandemic because millions of them were delivered without immobilizers. Impacted models were produced by the two automakers between 2011 and 2022.

Speaking with WBSM, local police spokesperson Holly Huntoon said the department is using the notices to help prevent thefts and serve as an important community outreach tool.

“The goal is simply to make owners aware that these vehicles have been targeted nationwide and to encourage them to take a few extra precautions to reduce the risk of thefts,” she said.

While those within the automotive industry have known about the theft issues for years, it’s possible that many owners of impacted Hyundai and Kia models are blissfully unaware they’re driving around in a target, and these notices may encourage them to be a little more careful.

var adpushup = window.adpushup = window.adpushup || {que:[]};

adpushup.que.push(function() {

if (adpushup.config.platform !== "DESKTOP"){

adpushup.triggerAd("bb7964e9-07de-4b06-a83e-ead35079d53c");

} else {

adpushup.triggerAd("9b1169d9-7a89-4971-a77f-1397f7588751");

}

});

Sources: WBSM , Autoevolution