The latest statistics from the Council of Criminal Justice reveal a disturbing reality in Austin – a city plagued by car thefts. What’s even more alarming is that thieves have a particular fondness for Kias and Hyundais.
According to the data, an astonishing 500 cars are stolen each month in Austin, with numbers sometimes soaring even higher. This surge in thefts can be attributed, in part, to the vulnerability of Kias and Hyundais. Shockingly, the so-called “Kia Boys” have found a way to start these vehicles using nothing but a USB cable.
This method, which went viral on social media, involves the thief breaking the window of a Kia or Hyundai that lacks an immobilizer. They proceed to dismantle the steering wheel column, exposing the ignition. With the help of a USB cable, they can start the engine in a matter of seconds. This dangerous trend has even turned into a challenge among online groups, where teenagers compete to steal cars faster for internet fame.
The Austin data reveals that the Kia Boys alone have stolen a staggering 800 cars this year. Astonishingly, this accounts for 42% of all car thefts in Austin, meaning that nearly half of the vehicles targeted by thieves were manufactured by Kia or Hyundai.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this rampant car theft problem – patch your car. Kia and Hyundai have already released anti-theft updates that prevent thieves from starting the engine, while still allowing access to the vehicle. By clearly marking your car as “patched,” you can deter criminals from attempting to steal it, as they will know that the engine won’t start without the original key.
However, it seems that the Kia Boys are sometimes too hasty to even consider whether a car has been patched. In their race to steal a vehicle as quickly as possible and outdo their peers, these teens often break into a car only to find that it cannot be started. This leaves them empty-handed and causes thousands of dollars in damage.
In response to this alarming trend, law enforcement agencies across multiple states are advising car owners to install additional anti-theft measures, such as steering wheel locks. These visible deterrents send a clear message to thieves that their attempts to steal a car will be futile. Additionally, devices like AirTags can assist in recovering stolen vehicles by providing crucial location information to aid police in apprehending the culprits.
It’s high time for car owners to take action and protect their vehicles from the clutches of these brazen thieves. By implementing these security measures, we can put an end to this car theft epidemic and restore peace of mind to the residents of Austin.
