PINEVILLE, N.C. — Nearly half of the cars stolen in Pineville since the beginning of 2023 were Hyundais and Kias, investigators said, pointing the finger at the viral "Kia Challenge" on social media.
The Pineville Police Department ordered 80 wheel locks from Hyundai Motor Company that they plan on distributing to Hyundai owners free of charge. With a wheel lock, anyone thinking of stealing one of these targeted cars won't be able to take it, police said.
"If we know these things are a potential issue, then we want to make sure the community knows about it," Eric Vanngeneral, the sales manager at South Charlotte Hyundai said.
Pineville police recently posted a crime alert warning people about the kinds of cars that are targeted, often at apartment complexes -- specifically Sabal Point Apartments.
"Sometimes they get a car and go on a crime spree with it," Sgt. Josh Harb said. "Sometimes they get it for joyriding. There have been times we find them not far from where they took off."
Harb said once they receive the locks, they'll post on their social media pages when the giveaway will take place. If need be, they would have another event at Carolina Place mall.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported a rise in Hyundai and Kia car thefts since the beginning of the social media challenge that started in June of 2022.
"This TikTok challenge has highlighted how relatively easy it is to do," Lt. Kevin Pietrus with CMPD said. "It's easier than it should be, and I think the auto manufacturers have taken steps to try and mitigate it."
CMPD pointed out that it's the Kia and Hyundai vehicles with turn-key ignitions that are being targeted, not the newer models that have push-start buttons.
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.