BALTIMORE, MD – With a rash of car thefts in the city, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has announced he will suing carmakers who make it easy for car thieves to steal cars.
In a move echoing cities such as Seattle and St. Louis, the City of Baltimore has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia. The lawsuit alleges that the automakers failed to equip their vehicles with standard vehicle immobilization technology, allowing them to be easily started without a key. This vulnerability has been exploited in numerous TikTok videos, showcasing the simplicity with which these cars can be stolen.
The resulting surge in thefts, not only in Baltimore but nationwide, has prompted the legal action.
Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 577 Kias and Hyundais have been stolen in Baltimore alone, putting the city on track to exceed double the thefts reported in 2022.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “The cost-cutting measures implemented by Hyundai and Kia, at the expense of public safety, are unacceptable. Our residents are now vulnerable to crime, and our law enforcement resources are significantly strained.”
The lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, with the city represented by attorneys Richard Gordon and Martin Wolf of Gordon, Wolf & Carney, along with Sara Gross from the Baltimore City Department of Law.
Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department highlighted the alarming rise in auto thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles throughout the city. Year-to-date statistics reveal a 95% increase in auto thefts overall, with Kia and Hyundai models accounting for 41% of all stolen vehicles.
Harrison emphasized the need for manufacturers to address this surge in vehicle thefts and prioritize the safety of residents and victims. The lawsuit aims to hold Hyundai and Kia accountable while establishing necessary safeguards to enhance the quality of life for Baltimore’s residents.
Scott did not mention tougher penalties or more aggressive law enforcement against the car thieves in his statement to the media this week.
As the legal battle unfolds, Baltimore remains committed to protecting its community and ensuring the accountability of automobile manufacturers. Further updates on this case will be provided as developments occur.