Harrison police warn of attempted Kia, Hyundai thefts

Would-be thieves appear to be targeting Kias and Hyundais in Harrison, according to township police.

Harrison police Chief Brian Turack said there has been an uptick in people trying to steal the two makes of vehicles over the past month, with at least five cases reported.

“They both seem to have the same security deficits,” he said. “None of the attempts were successful, but we have a lot of property damage as a result.”

Turack said the would-be thieves forced their way into vehicles and tried to break into the vehicles’ ignitions. It was unclear if anything was taken from inside the vehicles.

The most recent incidents were reported in the Birdville neighborhood off Burtner Road and in the township’s Natrona section. Attempted thefts were reported on Dec. 29, Dec. 31 and Jan. 7, according to Turack.

The problem isn’t isolated to Harrison.

In Arnold, new Mayor Shannon Santucci said the city has been hit by attempted thefts of Kias. Santucci said there were about four or five attempts in recent months.

Lower Burrell police Chief John Marhefka said vehicle thefts in the city haven’t appeared to be targeted at specific makes and models, but police have noticed a rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles. He reminded residents to lock vehicles and remove valuables. He asked people to be vigilant and to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.

Thieves targeting Kias and Hyundais has been a growing problem nationally.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the frequency of theft insurance claims for 2003 to 2023 Hyundai and Kia models was more than 10 times higher in the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2020.

The frequency of theft claims for Hyundai and Kia vehicles between January to June 2023 was about seven times higher than claims related to other makes of vehicles, according to an MSN report.

A TikTok trend shows viewers how the vehicles lack an electronic anti-theft device, making it possible for thieves to start the car without a key or FOB.

Turack is recommending that owners consider getting a steering wheel lock or other anti-theft device.

“People are bringing back The Club,” he said, referring to a decades-old anti-theft device still readily available to consumers. “We encourage people to be on the lookout and report any suspicious activity.”