2023-11-21 16:19:04
KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Police in West Virginia are warning the public of a viral trend on social media which has led to an increase in automobile thefts.
According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the KCSO along with other law enforcement agencies throughout the nation are seeing an increase in automobile thefts after a social media trend went viral.
With just a household screwdriver and a USB charging cable, certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles can easily fall into the hands of car thieves.
Deputies noticed an uptick in vehicle thefts this year with those vehicle brands and through their investigations, they learned about these viral internet videos.
In the past couple of weeks, deputies have once again seen Kia vehicles targeted in thefts and attempted thefts.
Typically, victims fail to lock their vehicles, and with most of us owning smartphones, a USB charging cable is usually readily available to the thief once they are inside the vehicle.
Vehicles targeted are the Kia and Hyundai brands with various models being affected. The vulnerable vehicles have a turn-key ignition, and range between years 2011-2022.
The KCSO is urging citizens to please contact their local dealer if they own one of the vehicles described above and check for manufacturer recalls that aid in preventing this type of theft.
The KCSO encourages everyone to remember to always lock their vehicles and not leave valuables visible.
For anyone who chooses to participate in this trend, the KCSO reminds you that vehicle theft is a felony offense and is punishable by imprisonment and monetary fines.
1700586238
#Police #West #Virginia #warn #public #auto #theft #social #media #trend