TikTok Goes The Clock On Stolen Kias

Recall Hyundai & Kia cars being stolen in droves cause starter mechanisms easy to hack. Now St. Louis overrun by 972% increase in car thefts is threatening to sue car makers on “devils made da thieves do it” theory …

As St.L Today reported recently, “Rates of stolen Kias & Hyundais have exploded in recent months in the St. Louis area – a trend that’s also been seen nationally due to a viral TikTok video that shows how to break into & drive off in the South Korean-made vehicles [sold before 2021 by the related if separate companies] using just a screwdriver & a USB charging cable. The method can be used on those cars because manufacturers did not install engine immobilizers, an electric anti-theft security device.” And, as negotiations broke down between city & company officials, the city’s attorney sent a letter to H & K demanding “satisfactory progress” toward addressing the problem or see you in court. Never mind the companies have agreed to provide free steering wheel locks & sell a security computer kits.

One company official called the city’s lawsuit threat blaming it for the explosion of car thefts “ridiculous,” while Kia’s VP in charge of legal affairs more diplomatically agreed “there is no legal basis for the city’s claim that the companies have created a public nuisance,” i.e., on the theory the companies were making, if not just providing the opportunity for, thieves to break in and steal the cars.

Davd Soul