LOS ANGELES (KNX) -- During a police commissioners meeting, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there has been an 85% increase in car theft across the city of L.A. - and it could be because of a new TikTok challenge.
Moore said on Tuesday that more than 1,600 Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been stolen this year.
The social media trend, named "Kia Boyz", shows people how to steal cars using USB charging cords, according to Yahoo! News. The videos, which have circulated on TikTok and YouTube, show the thieves unlocking the cars before driving off with them.
The social media trend has been linked to car thefts across the nation, including in Michigan, Georgia and Illinois.
Moore suggested those community who own these vehicles should install an alarm system and buy a steering lock.
"The steering wheel lock will offer both a visual and physical deterrent from someone trying to break your glass and into your vehicle," Moore said.
Both Hyundai and KIA issued statements regarding the thefts.
"Hyundai Motor America is concerned with the rise in local auto thefts. The safety and well-being of our customers and the community is and will remain our top priority. These vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and engine immobilizers are standard equipment on all new Hyundai vehicles."
"Kia America is aware of the rise in vehicle thefts of a subset of trim level vehicles. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as a running change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the U.S. meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."
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