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Worcester police warn of rash of TikTok-linked car thefts

  • Posted by Worcester News January 26, 2024 - Filed in News - #Worcester  #crime  #Worcester Police Department  #TikTok Kia Challenge  - 3,177 views

     

    Worcester Police released a map showing the hotspots where Kia and Hyundai cars have been stolen

    Police identify stolen car hotspots as Kia, Hyundai models are targeted

    WORCESTER — The Worcester Police Department on Friday issued a community alert to warn residents of a spike in car thefts, particularly targeting Hyundai and Kia models.

    According to a W.P.D. Community Awareness Bulleting, this surge is linked to the so-called "TikTok Kia Challenge," which exploits a security flaw in specific vehicle models.

    Since November, the city has seen a worrying trend with 36 thefts — 24 Hyundais and 12 Kias — which make up a quarter of all vehicle thefts in this period.

    The Hyundai Elantra has been notably vulnerable, accounting for 34% of these incidents. Authorities have pinpointed significant theft clusters around Chandler and Austin streets and the downtown junction of Front and Commercial streets, specifically targeting parking facilities at 145 Front Street, 201 Commercial Street, and the Worcester Public Library at 3 Salem Square.

    In response to this alarming trend, the Worcester Police Department is advising vehicle owners to take proactive measures to safeguard their property.
    Recommendations:
    • Contact your local dealership to see if your vehicle qualifies for the software update and/or retrofit kit
    • Use a steering wheel club
    • Park in a well lit area
    • Install a battery disconnect switch
    • Install a kill switch
    • Lock all windows and doors
    • Install a GPS tracking device

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