Thefts of Kia, Hyundai cars up 700% in Atlanta compared to last year, police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta Information First) – Thefts of Kia and Hyundai fashions are up 700% within the metropolis of Atlanta in comparison with this time final 12 months, based on the Atlanta Police Division.

The feedback have been made in the course of the metropolis’s Public Security Committee assembly on Monday.

Police first blamed a social media problem through which thieves stole Kia and Hyundai fashions and posted their exploits underneath the hashtag #kiaboyz. Atlanta Information First first reported on the pattern in July 2022 and the pattern has solely escalated from there. In October, an East Level girl filed a category motion lawsuit in opposition to the automakers, claiming newer Kia and Hyundai fashions didn’t include immobilizers. Immobilizers forestall thieves from utilizing an unprogrammed key or key fob to steal a automobile.

When requested after that lawsuit, Kia and Hyundai each supplied steering wheel locks.

That lawsuit is way from the one one the automakers confronted. Earlier this month, a federal decide declined to approve a settlement in a single class motion lawsuit, saying it failed to offer “truthful and enough” reduction. The settlement had been valued at $200 million and covers about 9 million 2011-2022 model-year Hyundai and Kia automobiles within the U.S.

The Metropolis of Chicago lately introduced a lawsuit in opposition to the automakers, claiming they didn’t “embody industry-standard engine immobilizers in a number of fashions of their automobiles, leading to a steep rise in automobile thefts, reckless driving, property harm, and a big selection of associated violent crimes in Chicago.” The lawsuit additionally claims the automakers embody the expertise in fashions bought outdoors the U.S.

State Farm and Progressive stopped writing insurance coverage insurance policies for these older fashions in January because of the thefts. The thefts might result in an increase in each driver’s insurance coverage premiums.

When pressed by Atlanta council members, Atlanta police stated they didn’t have a long-term repair to the issue. Atlanta police stated they’re planning occasions handy out locks and replace expertise.

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