FORT LAUDERDALE— A TikTok obstacle strike Fort Lauderdale when 5 teens stole a Kia Optima Tuesday using a USB cable.
The development entitled “Kia Boyz” built waves on social media and turned preferred through the pandemic. Unsuspected auto owners uncover their cars and trucks stolen or broken into, then began by USB cables like the types utilised to charge iPhones.
Fort Lauderdale police say the 5 teenagers stole a white 2012 Kia Optima and bailed in the 900 block of Northwest 17th Avenue.
Two of the five teenagers tried to flee but have been rapidly arrested by police. Authorities have discovered them as two 15-yr-previous males equally charged with grand theft vehicle.
CBS Information Miami spoke to the automaker and uncovered there are points they have performed to help shield drivers. James Bell, Corporate Communications for Kia America suggests they introduced a software program update in early 2023.
This issue impacts approximately 2.5 million Kia versions that use a metal key. Push-to-get started motor vehicles aren’t affected and Bell states that about just one million motor vehicles have already gotten the update.
The company has also designed wheel locks obtainable for cost-free to impacted shoppers and will even send out them to legislation enforcement agencies who see an uptick in thefts in their spots.
Kia has also been produced informed of a further issue in December of 2023 with a smaller group of automobiles. Even so, they’ve executed a fix for that as properly.
“We have come up with a different theft deterrent alternative for them which is a cylinder protector that goes about the ignition,” he mentioned.
Fort Lauderdale police say this craze is escalating and hazardous and they have been plagued with the situation.
Motorists are advised to park in properly-lit spots, generally lock your motor vehicle doorway, and never depart your crucial or valuables inside of your vehicle.
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