These Cars Are Stolen in Illinois More Than Others Because It’s Too Easy

There's an almost 800% increase in thefts of just two different car brands and a viral Tik Tok trend may be to blame for the staggering rise.

In a recent story, Good Morning America shared just how out of control the number of car thefts has gotten across the U.S. In just the state of Illinois, thefts of two different types of vehicles have climbed 767%, and that happened in just one year. As law enforcement is investigating various reasons for the increase, they're being led to a viral Tik Tok trend being shared on several social media platforms.

Illinois Drivers of These Two Car Brands Beware of Theft

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If you drive a Kia or Hyundai, you should know that if your vehicle was manufactured before 2021, there's a viral video challenge that demonstrates how easy your car is to steal.

The videos show how to start a car without a key by using only a screwdriver and a USB phone charger to hot-wire automobiles, with some Kia and Hyundai models, particularly vulnerable. Hyundai shared that the most vulnerable Hyundai models targeted in the Tik Tok videos were made before November 2021.  Hyundai plans to roll out security kits for those models starting in October.

Police in Park Forest, Illinois, said the cars most affected are "select 2011-2021 Kia and 2015-2021 Hyundai models."

The National Insurance Crime Bureau suggests some tips to keep your car from being such an easy target, no matter the make or model.