TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

A TikTok challenge is leading to an uptick in car thefts across metro Atlanta. This hazardous challenge involves using a USB cable to start certain Kia and Hyundai cars without using their keys.

According to the Atlanta Police Department, there has been a 500% spike in cases associated with this year's challenge.

1. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

A recent social media trend is fueling thousands of car thefts nationwide. TikTok videos are instructing thieves on how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models using simple tools, potentially putting more than 8 million vehicles at risk.

Authorities report the TikTok challenge is primarily impacting Kia and Hyundai models that use mechanical keys instead of key fobs with push buttons to start the vehicle. Now, car makers are installing immobilizers on these cars in an effort to prevent them from starting without the key inside, Channel 2's Matt Johnson reports. They won't say when this will take place, but said it is only a temporary measure until they find a more permanent solution.

2. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

A TikTok challenge that has spread throughout the country is making car thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles much simpler. A recent viral challenge on the app showed thieves how to steal these cars using a USB cord similar to what's used for charging smartphones.

Authorities in Gwinnett County and elsewhere have noticed an 85% spike in vehicle thefts of these brands since the challenge began, many linked to this new method of break-in. To combat this trend, car makers are rolling out a security feature for these vehicles that requires your key be in the car before starting up - an incremental step but one which may be enough to keep you protected against theft.

3. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

TikTok's trend of encouraging car thieves to steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles with simple tools is posing a major problem for police and certain car owners in metro Atlanta. But now two car makers are taking steps to combat the issue by taking steps against theft.

Gwinnett County police report that the new change will make it much harder for thieves to steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles with mechanical keys. The immobilizer system, also known as an immobilizer, prevents theft by making it impossible for a driver to start the vehicle without having the key in ignition. The company plans on beginning this transition at dealerships around mid-January.

4. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

TikTok's trend continues to cause problems for police and certain car owners in metro Atlanta. How-to videos posted to the app demonstrate how thieves can easily steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles with common tools, leading to a 500% spike in car thefts this year compared to last year at this time, according to Atlanta Police Department (APD). The trend targets certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use mechanical keys rather than key fobs or push buttons for starting;

Kia and Hyundai brands are now introducing new safety measures to help prevent vehicle theft. Gwinnett County police report that this change requires the owner's key to be inside the vehicle in order for it to start, making it harder for thieves to steal these vehicles.

5. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

Police across the country are investigating an increase in car thefts of certain Hyundai and Kia models that use mechanical keys instead of smart keys. This trend started last year and has spread through social media, where teens are encouraged to steal these vehicles using basic tools through TikTok challenges.

Authorities in Gwinnett County say the threat is growing worse. The TikTok challenge applies to certain 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use mechanical keys instead of smart keys, making this task much harder for thieves to accomplish. Both automakers announced they are taking new security measures to stop this problem: applying a device that disables the smart-key system when thieves attempt to start your car without its key; making this much harder for intruders to accomplish.

6. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

Authorities and car owners alike are on high alert due to a social media challenge that's leading to thousands of car thefts nationwide. Teens are being encouraged to target certain Kia or Hyundai models that use mechanical keys, rather than key fobs with push-button start mechanisms, for entry.

Atlanta Police report that the TikTok challenge has been responsible for an unprecedented number of thefts this year, raising concern that this trend could continue. Two car manufacturers are trying to curb this problem by making it more difficult for thieves to start certain models and trims of their cars - such as popular Kia and Hyundai models like the Optima, Elantra, and Forte - including popular models from each brand. The company stated they're working closely with police departments and car owners in an effort to educate them about potential hazards.

7. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

Police are on high alert after a TikTok challenge spreads across the country that has young teens stealing certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Particularly, thieves are targeting cars that require mechanical keys instead of push-button starts; this has resulted in an alarming rise in thefts from these models.

Gwinnett County has implemented a strategy that makes the challenge of car theft much harder. All Kia and Hyundai 2022 model and trim vehicles must have either a key fob or push button to start the vehicle - an attempt by Kia and Hyundai to address recent increases in these types of thefts.

8. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

TikTok has become a major problem for police and car owners in metro Atlanta. How-to videos posted on the app show thieves how to easily steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles with basic tools, potentially putting more than 8 million cars at risk.

Gwinnett County authorities were recently alerted to a new anti-theft device that will make it harder for thieves to steal certain Kia and Hyundai cars. This system requires the owner's key be inside of the vehicle in order to start it, making it the first of its kind. This initiative is in response to TikTok challenge which has enabled thieves to easily steal some Hyundai and Kia models with mechanical keys instead of key fobs and push buttons for starters.

9. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

Police departments across America are on high alert due to a TikTok challenge that shows teens how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles. According to investigators, this trend began last year but has seen an exponential spike in Atlanta over the past seven weeks, with more than 30% of car theft cases associated with it.

Georgia Senator Jason Anavitarte is taking action to combat this trend that has become so dangerous for people and their cars. That is why he is seeking an executive order that would ban TikTok on government-issued devices within Georgia - this could make a big difference for Black creators like Couch who use TikTok as an outlet to build businesses.

10. TikTok Sparks Atlanta Car Thefts

A TikTok challenge has caused thousands of car thefts in metro Atlanta, prompting two car manufacturers to step up and make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. Channel 2's Matt Johnson visited Gwinnett County where this particular car theft tactic is making waves.

The new system works by making it harder for someone else to start your car without using your key. According to the manufacturer, this is a wise step on their part to protect customers and their investments in vehicles. They believe it's the best way to keep cars secure in the future. Already, some models have been equipped with this technology in a limited area; those interested should contact them if they have any queries about its implementation.