Florida police issue theft warning to all Kia and Hyundai owners

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by loubeat | Flickr

Happen to own a Kia or a Hyundai? Your vehicle may be more likely to be the target of theft according to Florida Police. The Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) has issued a warning to those who own either of the two vehicles, along with tips to help prevent theft.

According to an Instagram announcement on Tuesday, July 25 from Marion County Sheriff's Office, there's been a recent increase in auto theft and vehicle burglary cases involving Kia and Hyundai models manufactured between 2011 and 2021.

"Due to a lack of an immobilizer on their turn-to-start ignitions, a social media trend has made many of these vehicles a target for criminals. If you own a Hyundai or Kia manufactured between 2011 and 2021 with a turn-to-start ignition, MCSO encourages you to take extra precautions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim!" the Instagram announcement reads, in part.

The lack of immobilizer in these Hyundai and Kia models allows would-be thieves to utilize unconventional means to steal vehicles, such as phone chargers and other USB cables, by taking apart the ignition.

The MCSO post continues with a few suggestions to help safeguard your vehicle from potential theft, including the following:

• Contact the manufacturer regarding anti-theft options for your vehicle (steering wheel lock, ignition immobilizer, etc.)
• Install quality video surveillance cameras and alarms
• Install a GPS tracking device
• Parking your car in a well-lit area
• Closing and locking all windows and doors
• Never leave your car running while unattended
• Keep information, such as the make, model, model year, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) accessible in the event your vehicle is stolen
• Call law enforcement regarding suspicious people

​
To read the announcement in full, click here. For more law enforcement announcements from Marion County, follow the Marion County Sheriff's Office on Instagram here.
Article by Rachael Volpe