PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police in West Philadelphia gave away free steering wheel locks, Wednesday, to curb a growing trend of thefts targeting Kias and Hyundais.
A TikTok social media challenge showcased the vehicles' lack of an immobilizer and a hack showing how to Hotwire cars using a USB cord. The targets – certain makes and models of 2010 -2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key, not a key fob for push to start.
Both companies have developed anti-theft software for millions of their vehicles that they will provide free of charge to vehicle owners.
A spokesperson from Hyundai says they started rolling out their upgrade for nearly 4 million vehicles in February. The software should be available to the remaining vehicles affected in June.
Representatives from Kia have yet to respond.
