Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD warn drivers about social media challenge targeting Kia, Hyundai cars
NEW YORK -- There has been an astonishing increase in the number of car thefts, apparently fueled by social media challenges.
Mayor Eric Adams wants those challenges banned.
On Thursday, the mayor and his criminal justice team strode past a black Kia automobile that is tempting New Yorkers to break the law, just so they can say they took the TikTok challenge.
"Stealing a car, going on a joy ride, speeding through the streets, that is not a game," Adams said.
The mayor was talking about the TikTok challenge from the "Kia Boyz" to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Videos have been posted showing people how cars manufactured between 2011 and 2021 are easily hot-wired by using a USB cord.
Officials say that the Kia and Hyundai makes that are vulnerable are the ones that have certain key fobs.
READ MORE: TikTok CEO faces intense questioning from House committee amid growing calls for ban
The Kia challenge actually began about two years ago in Milwaukee and spread across the country. It has now taken off in New York City, which has seen an astonishing 470% increase in thefts over the last three months.
According to the NYPD, 633 Kias and Hyundais have been stolen since Jan. 1, compared to 111 in the same time period last year.
Officials say the thefts of the two Korean car brands is driving the increase in the city's grand theft auto cases.
"When we continue the pursuit to have this city stay as the safest big city in America, we don't need social media to contribute to social disorder," Adams said.
This is not the first time the mayor has blamed social media for corrupting the lives of the city's youth. However, he says it has to stop.
"I need my social media companies to play a more active roll on how we don't put out dangerous social media challenges like this. It starts out as a joy ride. Some of these vehicles are abandoned. Some of them are used in crimes," Adams said.
READ MORE: Hyundai and Kia upgrade security after TikTok challenge linked to thefts
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell offered tips on how to stymy the "Kia Boyz."
"Use a steering wheel locking device. Always turn off the ignition and remove the keys when leaving your vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors. Activate your vehicle's alarm system," Sewell said.
Officials admit its hard to catch the TikTok challengers. So far, only about 100 have been arrested.
TikTok has also been under fire for its ties to China. On Thursday, the app's CEO hired several high-powered public relations experts to help handle the criticism.
