The Vancouver Police Department and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office have seen recent spikes in thefts of Kia’s and Hyundai’s over the past several weeks.
Most of the suspects are juveniles, who have threatened witnesses to the thefts with violence, according to a CCSO press release. Several firearms that were inside vehicles at the time of the thefts were also stolen.
This national trend affects multiple models of both Kia’s and Hyundai’s built between 2011-21. Below is a list of models that may be more vulnerable to theft:
Hyundai Models
• 2011–2022 Accent
• 2011–2022 Elantra
• 2013–2017 Elantra GT
• 2013–2014 Elantra Coupe
• 2011–2012 Elantra Touring
• 2011–2014 Genesis Coupe
• 2018–2022 Kona
• 2020–2021 Palisade
• 2011–2012, 2019–2022 Santa Fe
•
2013–2018, 2019 Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL
• 2013–2018 Santa Fe Sport
• 2011–2019 Sonata
• 2011–2022 Tucson
• 2012–2017, 2019–2021 Veloster
• 2020–2021 Venue
• 2011–2012 Veracruz
Kia Models
• 2011–2021 Forte
• 2021–2022 K5
• 2011–2020 Optima
• 2011–2021 Rio
• 2011–2021 Sedona
• 2021–2022 Seltos
• 2010–2022 Soul
• 2011–2022 Sorento
• 2011–2022 Sportage
Law enforcement is encouraging anyone with one of the make/models above to check with their local Kia or Hyundai dealers to see if their vehicle is eligible for a manufacturer security software update. The release also encourages vehicle owners to consider using a steering wheel lock device, park in well-lit areas — preferably with visible security cameras, consider putting a tracking device in the vehicle and consider installing an alarm system.
Law enforcement also strongly advises people to not leave firearms or other valuables inside the vehicle.
