How popular has the Kia Challenge crime wave been? HLDI’s Wakeman says that her group saw thefts more than double in Wisconsin and increase rapidly in other states thanks to the challenge.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau asked social media outlets to take down these how-to videos, although it’s still easy to find them online. Matthew Phillips, CEO of Car Pros, a large Kia dealership group on the West Coast, says that about 75 percent of the vulnerable models will get free software upgrades. However, the updates are specific to each model, so the rollout is coming in stages and owners will have to visit their local dealership to get the security patch. Owners of the remaining vehicles will be offered steering wheel locks. (Owners can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151 and Kia at 800-333-4542 for updates.)
Phillips also points out that the criminals still have to physically break into a car to perform this hack. “The only thing high-tech is the distribution of the information,” Phillips says. “It’s smash and grab.” Until owners receive the update, they should use a steering wheel lock or try not to leave their vehicles parked in open lots or on the street.
3. Catalytic converter thefts
Sometimes it’s not the method of theft but the target itself that is high tech. That’s the story behind the epidemic of catalytic converter thefts, which are so common they have a nickname — “cat thefts.” According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts increased 1,215 percent between 2019 and 2022.
Catalytic converters are anti-pollution devices and are part of most gas-powered vehicle exhaust systems. To create a chemical reaction that reduces emissions, catalytic converters use three precious metals: rhodium, palladium and platinum. These metals have become very precious indeed, with rhodium alone recently priced at $9,750 per ounce. That has made cat thefts very appealing, especially for Toyota Prius models from 2004 to 2009.
Wakeman says there are three reasons for the Prius’ particular appeal: The cars have an easily recognizable design, they use higher concentrations of precious metals than other models and stealing them requires removing just a few bolts. Usually, thieves have to saw off the converter. Commercially sold catalytic converter shields, which provide protection around the part, can help make this process more difficult for thieves, but some experts say they’re not very effective.
Since thieves usually try to sell the stolen parts to salvage businesses, some local police departments run regular etching programs to mark converters with the owner’s license plate number or VIN number. The markings then act as a deterrent, making it more difficult to sell to reputable recyclers. If you’re the victim of cat theft, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $2,500 to have a replacement converter installed.
4. Code grabbing
We’ve all done it. You’ve just parked your car at the shopping mall and as you’re walking away, you wonder, “Did I actually lock the car?” So you reach into your pocket and hit the key fob to confirm your vehicle is locked. That’s when thieves can strike, intercepting the radio frequency from your key fob and then copying your code. The flash of a car’s lights tells them which car to steal.
