Pictures through Getty Pictures and TikTok
In immediately’s difficulty of ‘what to not do on TikTok,’ there’s a viral problem going round that entails breaking into KIAs (and now Hyundais, apparently), hot-wiring them, and stealing them. It began with 17-year-old Markell Hughes, who appeared in a documentary in regards to the ‘KIA Boys,’ who’d discovered how straightforward it was to steal KIAs based mostly on a sure exploit of their steering wheel columns and ignition keys. The KIA Boys, after stealing the vehicles, typically movie themselves driving round dangerously for clout. The documentary turned out to be a large hit, however as soon as an nameless caller tipped officers as to Hughes’ identification, he was arrested.
Filed among the many proof in opposition to Hughes was a supposed name from jail that entailed him bragging in regards to the stolen automobile and the way well-liked his video add had grow to be. “I heard my video went viral too,” he mentioned, successfully incriminating himself. “I heard my shit hit 50K in sooner or later.” The overwhelming need to grow to be an web sensation is undoubtedly the driving drive behind these KIA and Hyundai thefts, as teenagers want to recreate Hughes’ video for themselves, even when it secures them a one-way ticket behind bars.
In accordance with Vox, “Beginning with mannequin yr 2011, Hyundai Motors, which makes Kias and Hyundais, determined to not set up a theft prevention mechanism known as an immobilizer in sure makes and fashions. For vehicles with out immobilizers, all thieves must do is rip off the steering column cowl, take away the ignition cylinder, and switch the oblong nub behind it to start out the engine. Because it occurs, USB plugs match fairly effectively over that rectangle. The immobilizer-free Kias and Hyundais could possibly be stolen in a matter of seconds with only a screwdriver and a charging wire.”
And that’s precisely what’s been occurring. Teenagers are arming themselves with screwdrivers and USB charging cables and snatching KIAs with relative ease, a lot to the dismay of the house owners. Because the pattern continued to realize traction on-line, a number of victims started warning their followers in regards to the ‘KIA Boys’ and showcasing first-hand the harm the pattern has prompted. “they positively virtually received me,” one TikToker mentioned, elaborating to say that the thief couldn’t determine tips on how to begin the engine after ripping the steering column aside.
Others weren’t so fortunate, however fortunately, there are good samaritans on the market who’re armed with the data to stop these break-ins. In truth, many TikTok customers are educating KIA and Hyundai house owners in regards to the ignition key, explaining how it may be accessed with only a USB cable. If these informative movies are something to go by, it’s finest to depart the automobile charger at house for some time.
In some cases, the KIA Boys are getting caught, which is instructing a invaluable lesson to some other children who assume it’s a good suggestion to go breaking into different folks’s vehicles. Probably the most alarming reality about this problem is the truth that these thieves will gladly try to break-in in broad daylight. It doesn’t must be the midnight for them to try such a criminal offense. Fortunately, any thieves getting caught aren’t resistant to some robust love.
For now, there appears to be no finish to the ‘KIA problem,’ however hopefully as extra house owners educate and put together themselves, the KIA Boys will cease succeeding. As for KIA and Hyundai house owners, there’s no higher time to peruse the web and preserve your self knowledgeable of any developments relating to this problem. And preserve an in depth eye in your autos always.
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