Crime

Police warning Worcester residents about Hyundai and Kia thefts related to TikTok challenge

The challenge, which involves people stealing cars and joyriding in them afterward, targets cars without a certain anti-theft technology, police said.

By Emily Spatz

1 minute to read

The Worcester Police Department is warning residents after a series of vehicle thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia models potentially related to a social media challenge.

According to a bulletin posted Jan. 26 on the Worcester Police Department’s Facebook page, 12 Kia and 24 Hyundai vehicles have been stolen in the city since Nov. 1. Police say the thefts, which account for 25% of motor vehicle thefts during this period, are stemming from a “TikTok Kia challenge” that takes advantage of security vulnerabilities in some car models. 

Hyundai models produced starting in 2011 do not include engine immobilizers, an anti-theft device that prevents vehicles from starting unless the correct key is used. 

The TikTok trend, which includes creators making videos about how to bypass the cars’ security systems, involves people joyriding in the cars after stealing them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the nationwide challenge had resulted in 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities as of early 2023. 

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According to the Worcester Police Department’s post, around 34% of the thefts have targeted the Hyundai Elantra model. While thefts have been reported citywide, the area of Chandler and Austin Street are “hotspots” for stolen vehicles, police said. 

Recently, thefts have also happened in the downtown area of Front and Commercial Street, specifically the garages at 145 Front St., 201 Commercial St., and the Worcester Public Library at 3 Salem Square, the post said. 

Police are urging those with Hyundai and Kia models to contact local dealerships to determine whether their vehicles qualify for an anti-theft software update. Officials also recommended using a steering wheel club, parking in a well-lit area, and installing a battery disconnect switch in their cars to prevent thefts. 

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