Seattle Police Say TikTok Could Be Linked To Recent Kia Thefts

SEATTLE — A recent surge in stolen Kias could be partially due to social media videos that illustrates how to start the vehicle using a USB drive and other simple tools, according to Seattle police.

In a news release, Seattle police said officers fielded three dozen reports for stolen Kias last month, compared to just five reported over the same period in 2021. The vehicles taken in July include the Optima, Soul, Sorrento, Forte and Sportage models, with years ranging from 2014 to 2021.

Earlier this month, Seattle officers arrested two teens after witnesses reported several suspects driving a Kia and attempting to steal a second Kia on a residential street on Capitol Hill. After officers arrived, they discovered the first vehicle had also been reported stolen. Police said three young suspects attempted to speed away before crashing into a fence, then ran away on foot.

Officers caught up with two of the boys, ages 16 and 17, and said the 17-year-old was also carrying a loaded "ghost gun," assembled from a kit purchased online. According to detectives, further investigation revealed the 16-year-old was also a suspect in the theft of another Kia that officers found in South Seattle in July. Police said the boy learned how to steal the cars from a series of videos on TikTok.

While police have made a handful of arrests in the recent spike in thefts, investigators recommend Kia owners park in well-lit, secured areas and consider installing steering wheel locks or "ignition kill-switch systems."