Trend on Social Media Encourages Vehicle Theft

by YS Gold 

As though we needed any more warning of the dangers that social media poses, Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell warned of a spike in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles as a direct result of a trend on TikTok. 

Videos with clear instructions on how to easily bypass the anti-theft mechanism have gone viral. As a result, the number of Kias and Hyundais stolen in the city have gone from 10-12 to about 100.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that this TikTok challenge has already caused at least 14 crashes and eight deaths nationwide.  

The NHTSA also announced that the car manufacturers have created a software fix to address the glitch that makes it so easy to start these vehicles, and are providing free installation for millions of cars. 

The police commissioner recommended using a steering wheel locking device, and parking in well-lit areas. 

photo credit: Flickr