CMPD: Kia challenge is declining, Infiniti thefts on the rise
The Kia and Hyundai theft trend that has plagued Charlotte for years appears to be slowly dropping off — but another car is being targeted.
Why it matters: Car thefts were down locally by 8% in 2024 compared to the year prior, with auto thefts involving Kias and Hyundais falling 15%.
CMPD reported 7,445 stolen cars in 2024, of which 4,557 were Hyundais and Kias.
The department made 998 total arrests for vehicle thefts, including 694 juvenile auto theft arrests — an 18% decline from 2023.
Yes, but: Chief Johnny Jennings said at a business event last month that, "for some reason," CMPD is seeing a rise in Infinitis being stolen. He suspects it has to do with the technology.
"Back in the day, you used to have to hot wire things," he said. "Now they're using USBs ... and everything else to steal a car."
Jennings warns against leaving a car running in the driveway or keeping a spare key inside.
Catch up quick: A social media challenge in 2022 fueled a national trend of stealing Kia and Hyundai cars. TikTok users posted step-by-step instructions for stealing one of the cars with a USB cord.
Certain models have serious design flaws, namely the lack of engine immobilizers, which prevent engines from starting without a key.
Zoom in: CMPD has made a targeted effort to stop the thefts. At a drive-thru event last February, the department partnered with Hyundai Motor America to offer software updates and free steering wheel locks. More than 670 car owners participated.
The big picture: Reducing the number of car thefts cuts down on Charlotte's overall crime rate since they've accounted for such a large portion of it.
CMPD is reporting a 4% drop in property crime in 2024, largely due to the decrease in auto property crimes.
Incidents of larceny from cars were down 10%, from 11,390 in 2023 to 10,271 in 2024.
1,101 guns were stolen during those instances, a drop of 9% from last year.
Go deeper: Is Charlotte becoming unsafe? We asked the top 3 local law enforcement officers
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