Some State Laws Actually Make It Easier for Kids to Steal Cars
There’s a reason why kids are stealing cars and smashing through storefronts. There’s a reason why vehicles are being stolen by the Kia boys instead of Kia men. Although we’re pretty sure girls are also involved. Anyways, some states have lenient laws that only slap kids on the wrist.
Some state laws only gives kids a slap on the wrist for auto theft
The Kia boys have been creating chaos in cities all across the nation as they easily hack into older Kia and Hyundai models and steal them.
If you pay any attention to the news, you’ve probably heard about teenagers stealing cars to smash into storefronts. They hop out, grab what they can, and flee the scene.
This activity is low-risk for minors, depending on the state they reside in. For example, in Philadelphia, if a minor commits vehicle theft, they won’t be tried as an adult if they are 15 years old or younger.
They also won’t go through the system at age 15 or older if they haven’t been adjudicated for robbery of a motor vehicle and didn’t use a deadly weapon during the robbery.
It may be considered a delinquent act with juvenile court proceedings, but it would be considered a crime if an adult committed the same act.
In California and Tennessee, kids are sent home after the first time they steal a car. Minors can’t be detained for grand theft auto. Kids often get probation for stealing a car a second or third time.
In Minnesota, kids are often released with tracking devices that can easily be cut off. The kids don’t serve time or face harsh consequences.
Kia and Hyundai models manufactured without push-button start are common targets because they lack engine immobilizers. Kids can break into the cars, pull back the steering column, and start the vehicle.
The process is quick and quiet. It doesn’t help that the Kia boys videos blew up on TikTok to show other kids how to do it.
But Kia and Hyundai vehicles have all been equipped with engine immobilizers since 2022. Also, you can visit local police stations or dealerships for free theft-prevention devices. But would stricter laws help crack down on juvenile car theft?
