LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A social media trend that has been going around is giving people step-by-step instructions on how to steal certain kinds of cars. Now, police here in Central Arkansas want you to know about the security flaws.
It's been an ongoing problem nationwide and even here locally.
The Jacksonville Police Department is on high alert after they received several reports of these thefts.
One local woman is now without a working car because of a failed attempt.
"I'm trying to go to work so I can you know, do what I need to do," said Savannah Jones.
Jones has been searching for another way to get around town after she discovered that someone tried to steal her Hyundai on Saturday.
"The whole steering wheel cover was off. The ignition switch was off. They cut wires and they broke the windshield wiper piece," Jones explained.
Now, she's in need of some car repairs.
"They cut the wire and the wiring connected to my starter so I can't start it. So I don't know how much that's going to cost," she added.
Unfortunately, cameras didn't catch the people responsible, but she plans on increasing security in and around her car.
"I'm just gonna try to I guess get an alarm set or more cameras or see what else I can do but as of right now I can't afford another car," she said.
However, a lot of people are in the same situation.
In the city of Jacksonville, the police department received reports of 17 stolen Kias and six stolen Hyundais just in 2023.
There were also more than a dozen theft attempts.
"We just want to get on top of it here in Jacksonville. We want those owners of the Kias and the Hyundais to take those precautions," said April Kiser the Public Information Officer for Jacksonville Police Department.
She explained how they've seen an increase in these thefts over the last month.
Kiser also said she believes it's mostly younger people who are behind these crimes.
So far in 2024, she said that three Kias and three Hyundais were reported stolen and that there have been nine theft attempts.
"There's an ignition issue that Hyundai and Kia did not take into thought whenever they made the vehicles," she added.
Though there are ways you can better protect your car.
The police department recommends installing a steering wheel locking device, a battery disconnect switch, a kill switch, and an aftermarket car alarm.
"Also getting in contact with their actual dealer, vehicle dealer to make sure that there's not possibly a recall or something that they can get done," Kiser added.
"It can happen to anybody at any moment. So be aware," Jones said.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai and Kia have developed anti-theft software and will provide it at no cost to these car owners.
Jones has also created a GoFundMe to help cover some of the costs for repairs. If you want to help, you can donate by clicking here.