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In recent years, a group of teenagers, known as the Kia Boys, have been making headlines for their audacious exploits. These young individuals have been stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles across the United States, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The group’s activities have been fueled by a desire for notoriety and clout, which they have been gaining through their posts on social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.
The Kia Boys phenomenon is a stark example of how social media can be used to amplify and spread criminal activities. The group’s videos, which often show them joyriding in stolen vehicles, have been viewed by thousands of people, inspiring copycat crimes and contributing to a significant increase in car thefts in various cities. The rise of the Kia Boys has also highlighted the vulnerability of certain vehicle models to theft, leading to a major lawsuit and settlement.
The Kia Boys’ Modus Operandi
The Kia Boys have been able to carry out their thefts by exploiting a design flaw in certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Specifically, they have discovered that they can start the engine of these vehicles using a USB charging cord or a similar metal object, bypassing the need for a key. This method is disturbingly simple and has been demonstrated in various social media videos, making it accessible to a wide audience.
The straightforwardness with which these vehicles can be taken has raised difficult issues about their security. It has also led to a surge in thefts, as other would-be thieves have followed the Kia Boys’ example. The gang’s usual methodology has in this manner had a huge effect, not just on the owners of the stolen vehicles but also on the local area, as it has contributed to an expansion in crime.
The Impact of the Thefts
The thefts carried out by the Kia Boys and their imitators have had a profound impact on various cities across the United States. In Columbus, Ohio, for example, car thefts rose from 3,500 in 2019 to over 4,000 halfway through the following year. In Milwaukee, 67% of the nearly 10,500 vehicles stolen in 2021 were Kias and Hyundais.
These burglaries have brought critical misery and inconvenience to the victims, many of whom have been left without a method of transportation. They have also put a strain on law enforcement agencies, which have had to devote considerable resources to dealing with the surge in car thefts. Furthermore, the thefts have had an economic impact, as they have led to an increase in insurance premiums and other costs.
The Settlement with Kia and Hyundai
In response to the epidemic of thefts, Kia and Hyundai agreed to a $200 million settlement in 2023. This settlement is intended to compensate customers who have suffered theft-related vehicle losses or damage not covered by insurance. It represents a significant financial commitment on the part of the two automakers and is one of the largest settlements of its kind.
The settlement was the result of a class-action lawsuit brought by the owners of the stolen vehicles. The lawsuit alleged that Kia and Hyundai had failed to install a common anti-theft device called an immobilizer in their vehicles, making them easy targets for thieves. The settlement thus represents a victory for the victims of the thefts, who have been able to obtain some compensation for their losses.
The Scope of the Settlement
The settlement covers a wide range of areas, including out-of-pocket losses such as total vehicle loss, loss of personal property, insurance-related expenses, and payments for rental cars, taxis, and public transit not covered by insurance. It also covers towing costs and other fees and taxes related to replacement vehicles if the affected car was lost or stolen. This comprehensive coverage is designed to ensure that victims are compensated for all the costs associated with the thefts.
The settlement also includes provisions for increased insurance premiums and other theft-related losses. This is significant because the thefts have had a major impact on insurance rates for Kia and Hyundai vehicles. By including these costs in the settlement, the automakers are acknowledging the broader economic impact of the thefts.
The Response from Kia and Hyundai
In addition to the settlement, Kia and Hyundai have taken steps to address the issue of vehicle theft. They have introduced a free anti-theft software upgrade for affected customers, which modifies certain vehicle control modules to include an ignition kill feature. This feature prevents the vehicles from being started when subjected to the method of theft popularized by the Kia Boys.
Furthermore, all Hyundai and Kia vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. This device prevents the engine from running unless the correct key is present, making it much harder for thieves to steal the vehicles.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has played a significant role in the spread of the Kia Boys phenomenon. The group has used platforms like TikTok to share videos demonstrating how to steal the vehicles, leading to a surge in similar thefts across the country. These videos have been viewed by thousands of people, demonstrating the power of social media to disseminate information quickly and widely.
However, the role of social media in this phenomenon has also raised concerns about the ease with which harmful content can be spread. Platforms like TikTok have been criticized for not doing enough to prevent the spread of videos promoting illegal activities. The Kia Boys phenomenon thus highlights the challenges of regulating content on social media platforms.
The Impact on Insurance
The thefts have also had a significant impact on insurance. The increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles has led to higher insurance premiums for owners of these vehicles. This has added to the financial burden on victims, who have had to bear the cost of replacing their stolen vehicles as well as the increased cost of insurance.
The settlement includes provisions for increased insurance premiums and other theft-related losses. Some car insurers that have already paid out to drivers whose thefts were covered will have their own claims against Kia and Hyundai. This aspect of the settlement underscores the broader economic impact of the thefts.
The Response from Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies have been struggling to deal with the surge in thefts. They have recommended that owners of Kias and Hyundais use steering-wheel-locking devices and park in well-lit areas. They have also urged owners to always lock their doors and remove personal and valuable items from their vehicles.
Despite these efforts, the thefts have continued, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with this type of crime. The Kia Boys phenomenon has thus put a strain on law enforcement resources and highlighted the need for more effective strategies to prevent vehicle theft.
The Future of Vehicle Security
The Kia Boys phenomenon has highlighted the importance of vehicle security and the potential consequences of design flaws. It has led to calls for automakers to prioritize security in their designs and to respond more quickly to emerging threats. The response from Kia and Hyundai, including the settlement and the introduction of new security features, may set a precedent for other automakers in the future.
The issue has also drawn attention to the role of social media in spreading information about how to exploit security vulnerabilities. This has raised questions about the responsibility of social media platforms to prevent the dissemination of harmful content. It has also highlighted the need for more effective strategies to combat the spread of such content.
In the future, vehicle security is likely to become an even more important consideration for both automakers and consumers. The Kia Boys phenomenon has shown that even relatively simple design flaws can be exploited to steal vehicles, causing significant distress and financial loss for the victims. As technology continues to evolve, automakers will need to stay one step ahead of potential thieves, ensuring that their vehicles are as secure as possible.
In conclusion, the Kia Boys phenomenon has had a significant impact on Kia and Hyundai, their customers, and the wider community. It has led to a major lawsuit and settlement, changes in vehicle design, and increased attention to the issue of vehicle security. While the phenomenon has caused considerable harm, it has also led to positive changes and may ultimately contribute to improvements in vehicle security.
References
- The Verge: “How the ‘Kia Boys’ are stealing cars for clout on TikTok”
- Business Insider: “Kia and Hyundai are settling with car owners after a TikTok trend led to a wave of thefts”
- USA Today: “Kia, Hyundai reach $200M settlement over stolen cars”
- Law.com: “Hyundai, Kia Settle Anti-Theft Lawsuits for $200M”
- Yahoo News: “After ‘Kia Boys’ social media videos, Kias and Hyundais targeted for theft in Volusia”