EDGEWOOD, Pa. \u2014 Police are warning neighbors about car break-ins with thieves seeming to target specific cars. <\/p>\n
The warning was sent out by Edgewood Police, but there are also reports coming from Swissvale. <\/p>\n
Doorbell camera video shows three teenagers brazenly smash a car window and breaking in.<\/p>\n
This video has been shared over and over again on Facebook. <\/p>\n
The three teenagers walk down Swissvale Street when one of them breaks the rear window on the passenger side. <\/p>\n
The glass shatters, and then the three teenagers who are wearing masks run away. <\/p>\n
Not long after, they come back and one of them dives into the window to steal something. <\/p>\n
Marissa Perla has a business in Swissvale. <\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone, just be careful to keep it locked\u2026 but I guess locking is not even the best option anymore,” Perla said.<\/p>\n
She hopes that kids who are out of school for the summer find something better to do than continue with the break-ins. <\/p>\n
\u201dThere are basketball hoops and parks all around, even a YMCA not far. Take advantage of that,” Perla said.<\/p>\n
Just yesterday, nearby Edgewood police put out a warning to their residents that thieves were targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Some were damaged and one was stolen. <\/p>\n
Detectives say that if a Hyundai or Kia was manufactured between 2011 and 2021 and uses a turn-to-start key ignition, it\u2019s more vulnerable to theft because it\u2019s not equipped with a standard engine immobilizer. <\/p>\n
Thieves can bypass the ignition by using simple tools. <\/p>\n
Vehicles with a push-button start are generally not affected. <\/p>\n
Norman Wien tells Channel 11 that his car was targeted a few years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a catalytic converter that had rare metals, platinum, I believe. They were stealing those at that time,\u201d Wien said.<\/p>\n
He knows the frustration firsthand.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery frustrating. Very expensive to repair, and the question of insurance is always in the background,\u201d Wien said.<\/p>\n
Police said there is a software update drivers can do to their Hyundai and Kia to make those cars less vulnerable. <\/p>\n
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