At least 10 vehicles were reported stolen from neighborhoods around Pittsburgh overnight Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Police say the suspects are believed to be juveniles who are targeting security flaws in specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
Officers saw at least four of the stolen vehicles “driving erratically at dangerously high speeds on the North Side.”
Two cars were found abandoned after they crashed at Eckert Street and Shadeland Avenue. The suspects ran away on foot.
All but one of the vehicles was either a Kia or Hyundai. A security flaw that was highlighted on social media has made those car models particularly vulnerable to theft.
Detectives are working to recover all of the vehicles and are investigating every theft, including reviewing available video and other evidence in hopes of identifying suspects.
At this time, no arrests have been made.
Pittsburgh Police remind people to keep their vehicles safe by following these tips:
Never leave a vehicle running and unlocked, even to run a quick errand
Always ensure all vehicle doors are locked and windows closed. Most thieves take the path of least resistance, going from car to car looking for unlocked doors at night
Kia and Hyundai owners should take advantage of the manufacturer's recall and security updates and/or use a club lock to immobilize the steering wheel
Invest in technology such as Apple Air Tags, inexpensive GPS trackers that connect to cell phone apps, or utilize individual vehicle manufacturers' security and tracking technology when possible
Install outdoor security camera systems trained toward where the vehicle is parked
Bluetooth enabled dashboard cameras can be useful tools to help catch car thieves
If Kia or Hyundai models must be parked in a driveway, police advise blocking them in with another vehicle when possible
Never leave firearms inside a vehicle under any circumstance