In the US, the Kia Challenge is starting to gain popularity. Its participants steal Kia and Hyundai cars, and then smash them or destroy them in an unusual way.
The challenge appeared after it became known that Kia and Hyundai can be stolen using a USB cable to charge smartphones. Attackers remove the casing under the steering wheel and instead of a key, they bring in a USB. Then you just need to start the car.
This method works with Kia vehicles from 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai from 2015 to 2021. In particular, this way you can steal Kia Soul, Optima, Sportage and Hyundai Elantra.
After this method became known in the United States, the number of Kia and Hyundai thefts increased dramatically. In Milwaukee, 66% of all auto thefts were from Korean manufacturers. The number of thefts increased by 2500%.
similar structure noted St. Pete Police Department.
arrival from July 11 [по 27 июля]Of the 56 stolen vehicles, 23 were Kia/Hyundai 2021 and older that use keys to start the engine.
St. Pete Police Department
Cars mostly steal teenagers. They post videos of corners on TikTok and YouTube, signing Kia Challenge or Kia Boys videos.
They are not limited to one corner. Teenagers violate the rules of the road, moving along sidewalks, lawns and passing compound intersections at a red traffic light. Sometimes they knock down passers-by, deaths have already been recorded.
After a trip by car, as a rule, “beautifully” destroyed. For example, it can be broken or burned.
Kia and Hyundai report the challenge but can’t do anything. The issue has been fixed in 2022 vehicles. Car owners need to install an alarm or other anti-theft means. [USA Today]
Source: Iphones RU
