The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department has observed a steady decline in the theft rates of Kia and Hyundai vehicles within unincorporated Pierce County.
The sharp rise in thefts began midway through 2022, fueled by a vulnerability in the ignition systems of certain models. This surge was exacerbated by a viral social media video demonstrating how to exploit the issue. The theft rate reached its peak during the summer of 2023, with 234 thefts reported in a single quarter, alongside 232 additional theft attempts.
Over the past two years, manufacturers have implemented system upgrades to address the ignition vulnerabilities and distributed free steering wheel locks to affected vehicle owners. The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force and local police agencies also made significant arrests, targeting the so-called “KiaBoys” who were responsible for numerous vehicle thefts weekly. These efforts have successfully reduced theft rates to levels seen before the spike.
However, the issue has not been completely resolved. Recent high-profile incidents involving stolen Hyundai vehicles being used by juveniles to ram into local businesses and schools highlight the ongoing challenge. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with other agencies and the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force, continues to focus on apprehending suspects and preventing such crimes in the future.