A viral TikTok Challenge to steal Kias and Hyundais is becoming a huge problem in the East Bay. Authorities are now warning Hyundai and Kia owners to take extra measures.
In the social media challenge, some people steal Kia or Hyundai vehicles that not equipped with an engine immobilizer by using a USB cord to hot wire the car.
“A custodian that I work with at a school, he had mentioned that people are going around stealing Kias. His Kia got stolen recently,” said Daniel Lugo of Vallejo.
In Berkeley, police in the area said since December, Hyundai and Kia vehicles make up 38% of the stolen vehicles.
“The