Brighton Police warn residents of ‘Kia TikTok Challenge’
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BRIGHTON, N.Y. (WHEC) — The crime the Brighton Police are calling the “Kia TikTok Challenge” has made it to our area.
Thousands of Kias and Hyundais are being stolen around the country right now, and the department has tracked down several stolen Kias and Hyundais this month.
This trend started after a popular video posted on TikTok explained to viewers how to steal those cars with a screwdriver and a USB cable.
Brighton Police advise: if you own a Kia, 2011 or newer, or a Hyundai, 2015 or newer—lock your vehicle and remove all valuables.
Kia issued the following statement:
The crime the Brighton Police are calling the "Kia TikTok Challenge" has made it to our area.
“Kia America is aware of the rise in vehicle thefts of a subset of trim levels. All 2022 models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as a running change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the U.S. meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”
TikTok also issued a statement:
“TikTok does not condone this behavior which categorically violates our policies and will be removed if found on our platform.”