Car theft for two brands of vehicles have become increasingly more common this year due to a manufacturing flaw that makes them easier to steal, according to police.
So far this year, there have been over 400 Kia’s and Hyundai’s stolen in St. Paul alone, the St. Paul Police Department shared.
David McCabe, the public information officer for the department, shared that the issue is a national trend, with almost 12,000 being stolen in Wisconsin.
When it comes to what can be done to stop possible thefts, McCabe says installing an alarm or steering wheel lock offers protection.
“We recognize that not everyone can ward some of these preventive measures,” McCabe said. “But having a steering wheel locking device would also be a recommendation.”
So far, the “manufacturing issue” has resulted in 212 Hyundai and 256 Kia’s being stolen in St. Paul this year, the department shared. Compared to last year, there were 31 Hyundai and 18 Kia’s during the same time period.
Part of the trend comes from a youth gang calling themselves the “Kia Boys,” who target the cars to use them for joyriding. However, McCabe has not seen the gang associated with the auto thefts in St. Paul.
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