The Cincinnati area recently experienced an incredible increase in vehicle theft. These thieves are gaining quick and easy access to two car brands that are now among the most popular brands for car theft. While both Hyundai and Kia brands offer impressive value for owners, these are the two most recently targeted brands.

Cincinnati isn’t the only city with increased vehicle theft problems

Yahoo News picked up the story from the Cincinnati Enquirer that discusses the recent rise in stolen Kia and Hyundai cars. The Forest Park Police Department reported six thefts of these brands in the last nine days of June. Thieves took most of these cars from large apartment complexes at night.

Milwaukee experienced a similar rise in stolen Kia vehicles in 2021. The total number of reported stolen cars last year is 11,500. A gang called the “Kia Boys” ran rampant and stole many Kia and Hyundai models. One family reported to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that it only took two minutes for their daughter’s car and all her stuff to be stolen from her apartment parking lot.

Which Hyundai and Kia vehicles are the targets of theft?

Most of these two brands’ models are Kia cars newer than 2011, and Hyundai cars from 2015 forward. Social media plays a part in the popularity of the rise in these stolen cars, with some users posting tips and directions to start these cars without a key.

In Milwaukee, officials claim the increase in vehicle theft is due to more youths being out of school, but it could have more to do with a design flaw in the systems of the Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This flaw makes these models easier to steal than other brands.

Which cars get stolen the most?

Are you driving a car on the list of top ten stolen in 2020? You might be. According to Value Penguin, vehicle theft is highest for these ten models.

• Ford full-size pickup trucks
• Chevrolet full-size pickup trucks
• Honda Civic
• Honda Accord
• Toyota Camry
• Nissan Altima
• GMC full-size pickup trucks
• Toyota Corolla
• Honda CR-V
• Dodge full-size pickup trucks

Even though Hyundai and Kia didn’t make the list in 2020, these two brands might show up in the final statistics for 2022 with the increased number of models stolen this year.

How are cars stolen so easily?

Unfortunately, modern vehicles are easier to steal than those from two decades ago. Modern electronics and technology have made it so for thieves with a little know-how. According to Car Buying and Selling, a car thief can program a key fob from outside your home or apartment and gain access to your car. It doesn’t take long, and then you become another statistic and a victim of vehicle theft.

What are the hardest cars to steal?

The flip side of the easy cars to steal is having one that thieves will avoid. According to Jerry, if you own one of these models, you have a much lower chance of becoming a vehicle theft victim than with most other models in the market. These hard-to-steal cars are:

• BMW 3 Series
• Tesla Model S
• Jaguar XF
• Nissan Leaf
• Hyundai Tucson
• Audi A4
• Land Rover Discovery
• Lexus HS 250h
• Tesla Model X
• Mercedes-Benz GL 550 by TAC

How can you prevent your vehicle from becoming a victim of theft?

Allstate provides some excellent tips to help you avoid your car being stolen. Here’s what you should do:

• Lock your doors
• Remove the keys from the vehicle
• Do not have a spare key near the vehicle
• Close the windows
• Park in well-lit areas
• Install an anti-theft device with an audible alarm
• Install a vehicle immobilizer system
• Put a tracking system in your car
• Don’t leave valuables in your car
• Be aware of the surroundings when you park

If your car is stolen, report this theft to the proper authorities immediately. The sooner you do this, the better your chance of getting your car back.