Police warn Hyundai and Kia owners of the uptick in car thefts for certain models

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– Chattanooga Police held their weekly briefing this Thursday regarding their monthly reports. 

At the presser, officials talked about Chattanooga’s overall crime rates and how they have decreased for this year compared to last.

Total auto theft rates are down, but Hyundai and Kia vehicles are being stolen at a 47 percent higher rate than usual, following a social media challenge.

CPD’s Chief Sommers explains why this is happening to an explicit scope of cars.

“Our total auto theft is down. Well, there’s a reason for that. Out on the internet there is quite a bit of information on how you can defeat the electronic ignition system within some of the Kia’s and some of the Hyundais- certain years certain models,” said CPD’s Executive Chief Harry Sommers. 

Sommers added owners may consider precautionary measures like a steering wheel lock or a kill switch mode to their car.

Hyundai and Kia have since developed an updated theft deterrent software to prevent any further issues, but owners are complaining these updates can take months.