{"id":324618,"date":"2026-08-19T02:54:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T02:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/324618\/"},"modified":"2026-08-19T02:54:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T02:54:07","slug":"manhattan-beach-sees-uptick-in-two-type-of-vehicle-thefts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/324618\/","title":{"rendered":"Manhattan Beach sees uptick in two type of vehicle thefts"},"content":{"rendered":"

A recent uptick in the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles<\/a> has police in Manhattan Beach warning drivers to take extra steps to protects their cars.<\/p>\n

The Manhattan Beach Police Department<\/a> said a rash of thefts of the two brands during the week of Aug. 6-12 prompted them to issue measures drivers should take to prevent becoming a victim.<\/p>\n

A recent uptick in the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles has police in Manhattan Beach warning drivers. Getty Images<\/p>\n

Police said drivers should use steering wheel locks, keep their doors locked at all times, and always remove any items of value from inside the car.<\/p>\n

The department also said using an aftermarket alarm or immobilizer as additional security can provide another layer of protection.<\/p>\n

Police advised car owners to install a GPS tracker<\/a> to help find a car if it is stolen and keep the vehicle\u2019s software updated.<\/p>\n

Kias and Hyundais sold between 2011 and 2022 have been popular targets in recent years as they lacked engine immobilizer, allowing a thief to steal the vehicle whether they had a proper key or not. AP<\/p>\n

Kias and Hyundais sold between 2011 and 2022 have been popular targets in recent years as they lacked engine immobilizer, allowing a thief to steal the vehicle whether they had a proper key or not.<\/p>\n

A popular TikTok trend <\/a>a few years ago provided tutorials on how to start cars from the Hyundai Motor Group<\/a> without keys, using a USB cable and a screwdriver.<\/p>\n

As a result, the car brands quickly rose to the top of the 10 most stolen cars in America list<\/a>, according to Auto Blog.<\/p>\n

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A popular TikTok trend a few years ago provided tutorials on how to start cars from the Hyundai Motor Group without keys. Getty Images<\/p>\n

In response to the viral trend, automakers rolled out free fixes for Hyundai and Kia owners, offering them \u201cfree steering-wheel locks or a free software upgrade,\u201d Carfax.com<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n

The company estimates that more than 4.9 million vehicles across the U.S. still need a fix.<\/p>\n

Fifteen states have more than 100,000 Kia and Hyundai vehicles on the road vulnerable to the issue, with California ranked No. 1 with 506,000 cars.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The company estimates that more than 4.9 million vehicles across the U.S. still need a fix. jetcityimage \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, the two car brands<\/a> agreed to a $9 million class action settlement for victims of the trend.<\/p>\n

Drivers have until March 31, 2027, to submit their claims for reimbursement, which will be distributed on a \u201crolling basis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eligibility can be confirmed on the settlement website<\/a> by entering your car\u2019s VIN.<\/p>\n

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