Indianapolis 350% more Kia vehicles are stolen as a result of the TikTok challenge

Indianapolis, Indiana – An increase in Kia automobile thefts in Indianapolis is being caused by a risky challenge that is circulating on TikTok.

According to police, the alarming increase in car thefts is astounding.

“It’s definitely frustrating. It’s overwhelming to know that we have people in our community that don’t respect other people’s property,” Samone Burris, a public information officer at Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said.

Thefts of Kias are up 350% from last year, according to IMPD. According to the police, a TikTok challenge is motivating people to steal them.

“Just because you see it doesn’t mean you have to do it. Just because others are doing it doesn’t mean you have to partake,” Burris said.

Maynor Brizuela claims that the 2022 Kia Sportage belonging to his family was stolen over two weeks ago.

Although they are unsure of the connection at the moment, the family nevertheless suffered a loss.

He says the perpetrators disconnected their GPS, making it more difficult to find. “You know. We were asleep. No one was going to wake up at that moment. Once they got up in the morning to go to work, the car wasn’t there,” Brizuela said.

Fortunately, their automobile was located in a lot a few days later.

“In the United States, the car is number one. It is important. It is more important than many other things. Number one to live here in the United States, for work, fun, whatever,” Brizuela said.

Burris said, “When you take it upon yourself to take something by force that doesn’t belong to you, you’re putting a lot of people at risk, and it’s not just about the car — you’re taking somebody’s livelihood.”

According to IMPD, they rely on neighbors to assist them by providing information.

“Once they become aware that we are looking for you, we are going to hold you accountable, we are going to do our part as a community as a whole to ensure that these numbers go down,” Burris said.

There are also some suggestions for avoiding auto theft.

“There are some vehicle updates that community members can get on their vehicles for free, utilizing vehicle steering wheel locks, so that if a perpetrator breaks your car window, opens your car door, they’re not able to take your car easily,” Burris said.

Another piece of advice is to park in places that are adequately illuminated and to never leave your car running unattended.