Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Kia
The Kia Boys trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down, despite Hyundai and Kia working around the clock on bringing the anti-theft software update to as many cars as possible.
Teenagers continue to steal cars using the ridiculously simple method, breaking the window of a vulnerable Kia and Hyundai, ripping off the steering wheel column, and hotwiring to start the engine. The method went viral three years ago on TikTok and has become worryingly popular among teens who steal cars for views.
This is what's happening these days in Austin, Texas, where police have recently started something they should have done from the beginning: they are now tracking Instagram accounts where the Kia Boys post their content and trying to hunt them down.
Teens who are part of the infamous group record their theft, typically driving away in stolen vehicles. They end up doing illegal activities, including speeding and hitting other cars, before eventually wrecking and abandoning the stolen vehicles. The Kia Boys have also recorded themselves hitting bikers using the stolen cars.
The Kia Challenge has gotten out of control in Austin. Police statistics show approximately 800 car thefts involved Hyundai and Kia models in April alone.
Meanwhile, the carmakers claim they can patch up to 800 vehicles every day as part of their software update clinics. However, the companies have a hard time convincing car owners to bring their cars to a software update clinic, as many ignore their recommendations. The software update is free of charge and comes alongside a sticker that car owners can install on the side window to tell thieves that the vehicle is no longer vulnerable to the TikTok hack.
The more concerning problem is that the TikTok challenge put a target on the back of every Hyundai and Kia, no matter if it's patched. The Kia Boys are typically in a rush and don't care about stickers owners install on their windows, sometimes breaking into cars, trying to start the engine, and realizing the anti-theft software update has already been installed. The thieves walk away, sometimes leaving their USB cables and damage worth thousands of dollars behind.
Kia, Hyundai, and police across the United States recommend that car owners park in well-lit areas if they don't have a garage. Installing a steering wheel lock could also help, as the thief could observe it before breaking the glass. Additionally, devices like the Apple AirTag can help the owner track the vehicle if it gets stolen.
Hyundai and Kia owners are told to contact law enforcement immediately when they notice the missing vehicle.
Police did not reveal if investigators managed to track down any individual in the Kia Boys gang using the posts they made on Instagram or other social networks.
This is what's happening these days in Austin, Texas, where police have recently started something they should have done from the beginning: they are now tracking Instagram accounts where the Kia Boys post their content and trying to hunt them down.
Teens who are part of the infamous group record their theft, typically driving away in stolen vehicles. They end up doing illegal activities, including speeding and hitting other cars, before eventually wrecking and abandoning the stolen vehicles. The Kia Boys have also recorded themselves hitting bikers using the stolen cars.
The Kia Challenge has gotten out of control in Austin. Police statistics show approximately 800 car thefts involved Hyundai and Kia models in April alone.
Meanwhile, the carmakers claim they can patch up to 800 vehicles every day as part of their software update clinics. However, the companies have a hard time convincing car owners to bring their cars to a software update clinic, as many ignore their recommendations. The software update is free of charge and comes alongside a sticker that car owners can install on the side window to tell thieves that the vehicle is no longer vulnerable to the TikTok hack.
The more concerning problem is that the TikTok challenge put a target on the back of every Hyundai and Kia, no matter if it's patched. The Kia Boys are typically in a rush and don't care about stickers owners install on their windows, sometimes breaking into cars, trying to start the engine, and realizing the anti-theft software update has already been installed. The thieves walk away, sometimes leaving their USB cables and damage worth thousands of dollars behind.
Kia, Hyundai, and police across the United States recommend that car owners park in well-lit areas if they don't have a garage. Installing a steering wheel lock could also help, as the thief could observe it before breaking the glass. Additionally, devices like the Apple AirTag can help the owner track the vehicle if it gets stolen.
Hyundai and Kia owners are told to contact law enforcement immediately when they notice the missing vehicle.
Police did not reveal if investigators managed to track down any individual in the Kia Boys gang using the posts they made on Instagram or other social networks.
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