DAYTON — Dayton police are warning that a TikTok challenge is creating a storm of stolen Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
News Center 7′s Mike Campbell uncovered more evidence of the growing trend and spoke with a victim.
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According to police reports from Dayton alone since last Friday morning, there were a dozen reports of Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen or attempted to be stolen.
Katherine Trigg said thieves stole her Hyundai about three weeks ago while she was visiting a family member.
A few days later, she got word her stolen car was involved in a police chase and totaled when the people driving crashed and ran.
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“It was really frustrating for me, it was almost feeling this was a personal attack,” Trigg said.
Trigg was even more upset when she realized that Kia drivers are at risk because of a TikTok challenge.
The challenge discloses a security flaw that makes it easy to drive these vehicles away without the keys or a key fob.
“Its crazy, this stuff is out there for people to see so easily, people keep sending it around and I’m like, quit posting it,” Trigg said.
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Dayton police told News Center 7 they are simply trying to warn owners to take precautions.
The victims, an ever-growing number, believe social media companies need to be more responsible.
“Obviously, I wish people didn’t put video out for how to steal cars, but I don’t foresee that stopping,” said Dayton Police Lieutenant Jason Hall.
Dayton police say if you drive a Hyundai or a Kia, the best thing to do is like any crime prevention, make yourself a tough target.
That means making sure the keys are in your pocket, not in the vehicle, the vehicle is locked up and parked in a well-lighted area.
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