NORFOLK, VA – Vehicle theft is on the rise in Norfolk and police are advising residents to purchase anti-theft tools from the 1980s such as steering wheel locks, tire boots and window etchings.
“The Norfolk Police Department is working hard to investigate each of these incidents that have been reported. We suggest that if you own a Kia or a Hyundai, you may want to consider purchasing an additional security measure to prevent your car from being stolen,” the department said.
Norfolk Police today reported an increase recently in stolen vehicles manufactured by Kia and Hyundai. Those vehicles allow thieves to bypass the ignition by removing the steering column.
“After taking a closer look, detectives learned about a vulnerability in Kia models newer than 2011, and Hyundai models newer than 2015 that allows thieves to bypass the ignition and be able to start the car easily once the steering column has been removed,” the department said. “Although this is a new trend for Norfolk, the exploitation of this vulnerability in these vehicle models has become a nationwide trend.”
