Tips from Bibb County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard your Kia or Hyundai

According to a press release, Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 are vulnerable to theft because they lack engine immobilizers and their ignition switches can be easily bypassed.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is sharing tips on how to make vehicles harder to target after an increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts.

According to a press release, Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 are vulnerable to theft because they lack engine immobilizers and their ignition switches can be easily bypassed. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office says the theft rate for these vehicles have increased significantly in recent years.

The Sheriff’s Office says Kia and Hyundai thefts have increased due to the following factors:

• Social media:
  • Instructional videos on how to steal these vehicles without electronic immobilizers went viral on social media in 2021.
• Kia Boyz trend:
  • The trend contributed to the increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2021.

Kia and Hyundai are addressing the theft issue by providing free security software updates to owners of affected models, reducing the rate of thefts by more than half, and offering free steering wheel locks to customers for qualified models and years.

The Sheriff’s Office says you can check if your vehicle is eligible for a free update or steering wheel lock by visiting the manufacturers website and entering your vehicle’s VIN number.

Vehicle owners can also contact Hyundai at (800) 633-5151 or Kia at (800) 333-4542 for more information.