IUPUI car thefts target Kia and Hyundai modesl

Byadmin

Jul 31, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS – A rash of car thefts prompted a crime alert from IUPUI.

The Indiana University Police Department received multiple reports of vehicle thefts or attempted thefts during the month of July. The thieves mostly targeted Hyundai and Kia models, although a Chevrolet was involved in one of the incidents.

Here’s a look at the dates and locations:

July 7, Lot 92 – Motor vehicle theft
July 8, Campus Housing Garage – Motor vehicle theft
July 24, Lot 83 – Motor vehicle theft
July 28, Lot 80 – Two motor vehicle thefts, one attempted theft

According to IUPD, there are potentially four suspects related to the thefts. They arrived in a black Kia during the July 28 incidents; police reviewed surveillance footage but couldn’t glean much identifying information about the thieves.

Anyone with information should call the IU Police Department-Indianapolis at 317-274-2058 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

Certain Hyundai and Kia models are susceptible to thefts because of deficiencies in anti-theft measures. Indianapolis and other cities joined a national lawsuit seeking reimbursement for public safety costs associated with the rise in thefts. The city recently started giving out steering wheel locking devices to Indianapolis Kia and Hyundai owners.

The security flaw gained national attention as part of a TikTok challenge that showed how easily someone could steal one of the vehicles.