TikTok challenge causes spike in car thefts, warns NYPD and NYC officials.

The NYPD has issued a warning about a TikTok trend called the "Kia Boyz TikTok Challenge," which encourages teenagers to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The trend targets 2011 through 2021 Kia and Hyundai models that are not equipped with remote control "key fobs." The thefts of these popular makes have jumped in New York City, with 104 Hyundais and 99 Kias stolen in December 2021. Overall car thefts in the city increased by 32% in 2021. The trend has also been problematic across the nation, with officials in St. Louis filing a federal lawsuit against the automakers for allegedly failing to install anti-theft devices. City officials are urging car owners to install a "kill" switch, a battery disconnection device, and to use a steering wheel lock to foil would-be car thieves.