Police: String of car thefts may be part of social media trend

Image: CPD

Image: CPD

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Columbia police say Hyundais and Kias have been part of a recent string of car thefts.

Most recently police say they arrested a 15 year old with stealing a Kia from Creekside at Greenlawn Apartments on June 27th.

The car was found the next day on Millwood Ave.

Since June, police say they have investigated several incidents of auto-break ins, vehicle tampering, and thefts involving Kias and Hyundais with three arrests in those cases.

Investigators say Kia and Hyundai thefts have been on the rise nationally after social media posts showed how to steal the cars.

Kia America provided the following statement to the Columbia Police Department, “Kia America is aware of the rise in vehicle thefts in certain trim level vehicles as reported in the area. From the 2022 model year, all Kia vehicles will have an engine immobilizer fitted as standard. All Kia vehicles for sale in the US meet or exceed federal motor vehicle safety standards.”