SCHENECTADY — A series of car thefts has prompted an investigation by the Schenectady Police Department. The department has responded to six such incidents across the city, occurring between February 28 and March 31.
The stolen vehicles were all Kias, taken at different times and days of the week. However, the department’s news release earlier this week noted that the thefts predominantly took place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m.
“In each case, it seems the thief managed to bypass the car’s ignition system,” the department revealed in the release.
The Detective Division of the department is currently investigating these incidents. They are urging anyone with information to reach out to their TIPS Line at 518-788-6566.
These recent thefts in Schenectady are not an isolated phenomenon. About a year ago, a TikTok challenge demonstrating how to start Kias and Hyundais without a key went viral. This led to a nationwide worry about the theft of these particular car models. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced in February 2023 that Hyundai and Kia had developed anti-theft software for the millions of vehicles that lacked an immobilizer. This software update was made available to vehicle owners free of charge.
The software update extended the duration of the vehicle’s alarm from 30 seconds to a full minute. It also required the vehicle’s key to be in the ignition for the car to start. The NHTSA reported that the TikTok challenge had resulted in at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities across the country.
The NHTSA is encouraging owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-633-5151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-333-4542) for information on the free update if they haven’t received it yet.
In September 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul and state Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder sent letters to all New York residents who had registered potentially vulnerable Kias or Hyundais. The letter warned about the risk of theft and offered suggestions on how to prevent it, such as the software update, parking in well-lit areas, and ensuring the vehicle’s doors are locked.
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