Police departments in Worcester and Boston have issued warnings about a surge in car thefts linked to a TikTok trend targeting specific models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The trend exploits a security vulnerability in these cars, which has led to over three dozen vehicles being reported stolen in the city since November 1, 2023.
Three dozen Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been stolen in the city since Nov. 1. Police say the thefts are stemming from a “TikTok Kia challenge” that takes advantage of security vulnerabilities in some car models. https://t.co/JBedbM60r9
Three cars taking off on 1633 they’re a crew of car thieves , They’re going S/B Central into 25th district not chasing not following . #ChicagoScanner
Three male blacks in a sedan fled S/B Parkside after committing a robbery on a female carrying a purse . #ChicagoScanner
Newland / Carmen a black mustang and a silver SUV occupied three - four times stealing catalytic converters . #ChicagoScanner
Carmen/Newland: a call of 2 vehicles driving at a high rate of speed, one is a black Mustang and has 4 males in masks stealing catalytic converters #ChicagoScanner #DelayedDueToEncryption
350 W Hubbard: a call of a theft in progress at CVS, an older male White employee is fighting w/ a male Black shoplifter. #Chicago #ChicagoScanner
Police say certain models of Hyundai and Kia cars are being targeted in vehicle thefts. A security vulnerability has made them susceptible to the thefts that are documented in a viral social media trend. https://t.co/ByE7TUEp0Q https://t.co/K9TDUomK9v
Irving Pk/Blue Line: a call of an assault in progress on the #CTA platform, Nick says a #CTA employee is threatening him, saying he's a BD gang member and wait until tonight I'll show you, he's wearing blue #CTA clothing, no weapons seen. #Chicago #ChicagoScanner
#ChicagoScanner #Chicago Robbery just occurred 6230 N Kenmore Granville #CTA Red Line station #CallerSays two male Blacks and a female Black pepper sprayed his face and took his belongings
Bellevue police are searching for three female suspects after a plethora of overnight car prowls in the Lake Hills neighborhood on Jan. 25, 2023. https://t.co/BBHKFTmp5J
658 W Englewood: caller says a male is trying to steal a white Mercedes. #Chicago #ChicagoScanner
Worcester police warns of car thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles linked to TikTok challenge https://t.co/CQafRt2ZXF
4930 W Patterson: 1634 just on viewed an attempted car theft, loud alarm going off in the background, an offender might be in the area still. A white Acura took off. #ChicagoScanner #DelayedDueToEncryption
Worcester police warning car owners of thefts tied to TikTok trend https://t.co/zCeTJL35Cr