Car theft is on the rise in parts of Los Angeles, driven by a troubling trend of young thieves targeting an easily-exploited security vulnerability in certain Kia and Hyundai models. The so-called “Kia Boys” are making the San Fernando Valley a hot spot for this brazen criminal activity that has both victims and authorities on high alert. In this article we talk about Teen Car Thieves Exploit Simple Flaw, Sparking Crisis in San Fernando Valley.
Alarming Statistics
The LAPD’s Foothill and North Hollywood Divisions have seen staggering spikes in reported vehicle thefts so far in 2024 – increases of 51.6% and 39% respectively compared to last year. Across the city, auto thefts have skyrocketed 68% since 2019 according to department data.
Vulnerable Models and Social Media Influence
While car theft is unfortunately nothing new in Los Angeles, this particular crime wave involves a shockingly young group of perpetrators who are brazenly exploiting a widespread vehicle vulnerability. Social media has become both an enabler and showcase for their illegal activities.
“It’s particularly fueled through social media, and kids are using that, and they’re using social media to kind of show their joy-riding and stuff,” explained Lt. Ryan Lee, a detective in the North Hollywood Division. Teens, some as young as 12 years old, have been arrested for car theft charges after learning the startlingly simple “theft hack” from viral videos and posts circulating online.
Exploited Vehicle Flaw
The flaw affects models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced between 2010-2021 that lack a critical anti-theft immobilizer component. With just a screwdriver and a rudimentary understanding of hot-wiring, the “Kia Boys” have been able to easily override the lacking security systems and steal the cars for joyrides or other nefarious purposes.
Nationwide Issue
“This is a problem that’s nationwide. It’s not specific to Los Angeles or even the state of California,” said Capt. Warner A. Castillo of the North Hollywood Area, noting the trend has gained traction across the country, not just in LA’s San Fernando Valley communities like North Hollywood and Foothill.
Impact on Local Communities
Over 700 vehicles have been reported stolen so far this year between those two LAPD divisions alone. While full citywide data is still being compiled, former LAPD Chief Michel Moore stated in January that the back-to-back annual increases “would have seen a 7% decrease in auto thefts” if not for the spike driven by thefts of the vulnerable Kia and Hyundai models.
Manufacturer Response
Both automotive companies have been attempting to address the issue for years by notifying owners and providing free software updates that can resolve the vulnerability. Hyundai specifically offers an immobilizer software package that integrates with existing key fobs to prevent hot-wiring.
“So the software package, once it’s on, won’t allow the vehicle to start until it sees the immobilizer signal from the customer,” explained Hyundai VP Dave VandeLinde at a recent LAPD anti-theft event.
Challenges in Implementation
However, getting the updates installed on all affected vehicles has proven challenging. Many owners remain unaware of the issue or have not prioritized the fix. This has left an abundance of easy targets for young car thieves seeking thrills and Internet fame by showcasing their ill-gotten joyrides.
“Kia continues to take comprehensive action to enhance the security of our vehicles in an effort to better protect our customers and prevent criminals from using methods of theft popularized on social media to break the law and steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models,” a Kia representative stated. The company says over 1.2 million vehicles have already received the software upgrades.
Additional Preventative Measures
Both Kia and Hyundai have also started applying window stickers to updated vehicles to deter break-in attempts by signaling the enhanced security to potential thieves. It’s an effort to prevent the costly damage owners often face from smashed windows and destroyed ignitions, even when the vehicle isn’t successfully stolen.
Personal Impact on Owners
“It’s very frustrating because it’s like I have to come out my pocket and my insurance doesn’t cover it,” said Keisha McNeal, a Hyundai owner whose car was targeted three times before getting the security update. “We ask follow-up questions like, hey did you recently get an upgrade or recall notice about the ignition. Oh yes, we did!,” Capt. Castillo confirmed, noting that upgraded vehicles frequently show signs of attempted theft but remain in possession of their owners.
Addressing Youth Involvement
For minors arrested in association with the thefts, LA authorities say they attempt to pursue alternate paths to prevent entry into the criminal justice system for first offenses. “Because of their juvenile age, we certainly want to try to surround them with wraparound services, we want to try to divert them,” Lt. Lee stated.
Social Media Influence
However, the prevalence of social media glorification and how-to tutorials disseminated by the “Kia Boys” makes preventing recidivism an uphill battle. The theft techniques have spread rapidly online, fueling interest and participation from impressionable youth seeking antics to post and likes to earn.
Broader Criminal Implications
Beyond joyrides, the stolen vehicles also present dangers of being used to facilitate other crimes like robberies or transportation for illicit activities. This heightens the urgency to address the security vulnerability and curb the teen theft pattern through a combination of enforcement, education, and prevention.
Law Enforcement Tactics
Law enforcement deploys bait cars and other tactics to catch offenders, but also hopes to roll out more proactive intervention programs targeted at steering youth away from vehicle crimes. Impounding cars and pursuing charges against underage perpetrators is a last resort to deter repeat offenses.
Urging Vehicle Owners to Act
Vehicle owners are strongly urged to check if their cars are among the affected models and quickly get the free software updates from manufacturers to prevent future thefts. The updates can be installed at dealerships in less than 30 minutes and could be the difference between a car being stolen or remaining secure.
Addressing the Trend
What began as social media stunts by “Kia Boys” has rapidly escalated into a widespread criminal trend plaguing LA’s San Fernando Valley and other communities across the nation. An alarmingly young group of offenders has gained notoriety for their brazen vehicle thefts, all while exacerbating an already concerning rise in such crimes.
Multi-Faceted Approach Needed
Reversing the precipitous spike in thefts will require a multi-faceted approach – repairing the security vulnerability, educating the public, enforcing deterrents, and implementing prevention programs to halt the cycle. Otherwise, the “Kia Boys” may find their internet fame overshadowed by much more severe real-world consequences as authorities ramp up their fight against the teen theft crisis.
The San Fernando Valley has become a prime example of how quickly a criminal trend can spread through online enablement and interest-based participation. Addressing this issue, both the core vulnerability and derivative social factors, is critical to enhancing community safety and security across Los Angeles and beyond. I sincerely hope you find this “Teen Car Thieves Exploit Simple Flaw, Sparking Crisis in San Fernando Valley-Find Out Details” article helpful.