BEWARE TIKTOK 'KIA CHALLENGE'

"Sharing is caring!"

You reminded your kids that sharing is caring. Didn't you?

Now, the kids are teens. Are you aware of what your teens are watching on TikTok? From viewing TikTok, the underaged are learning how to steal a vehicle. "What!" you exclaim.

Are you aware that car thefts are on the rise? "Why?" you question. That thought went through my mind too. Today, scrolling through the news feed on my cellphone and seeing the article, the story caught my notice. Honestly, it grabbed my attention.

While you might be a fan of TikTok, that's okay with me. However, my interest doesn't include TikTok. In fact, haven't viewed the "Kia Challenge" that was mentioned in the news story.

According to online information, a video of people starting a Kia with a USB cable was uploaded and sent out on social media (TikTok). Who knows how many times the "Kia Challenge" has been viewed? Because the Kias and Hyundais are being targeted, the owners of these vehicles are in danger and vulnerable.

Warning! Specifically, the models from 2011 to 2012 for the Kias and from 2015 to 2021 for the Hyundais are at risk of bypassing the ignition.

Admittedly, it was the Arlington, Texas police's story that made me aware of the increased reports of car theft, today.

As a matter of fact, the theft reports of Kia and Hyundai are cropping up everywhere. It's not only in Texas but in other parts of the US. For example, in Kentucky, Indiana, Minnesota, as well as other states, police departments are making arrests of teens who are connected to thefts using the USB. Amazingly, the USB gives the thief a relatively easy way to crack into the ignition.

"How easy?" you ask. It's a matter of 30 seconds. Only thirty seconds, it's that quick! The thieves drive off with the vehicle. The underaged person drives off having a joyride. Oftentimes, the teens wreck the stolen vehicle leaving owners with a damaged vehicle to deal with.

Furthermore, there have been instances where an attempt to use a USB to steal a vehicle didn't work leaving behind a broken window and the USB left in the car as evidence of the attempted theft.

Seriously, this is car theft. Don't know about your state, but car theft is a felony in Texas. This isn't a good thing. The car owners are victims, who need their rides in order to provide for their families. As for the young person stealing a vehicle and possibly messing up their future, this is tragic and horrific. At the end of the day, there are no winners.

During a two-week period, approximately 56 cars have been stolen. In St. Petersburg, Florida the suspects have been between the ages of 14 and 17.

What can you do? Remember the steering wheel locks of ages ago? It has been suggested to use the steering wheel locks or a kill switch. Purchasing an alarm system is a good preventive measure. If possible, you should park your car in a garage. As for apartment parking, it would be a good idea to have a monitored surveillance system in place.

In addition, those of you who have underage people viewing TikTok, have a talk with them. Reminder, theft of a vehicle is a felony. Make sure your teens know the consequence of their actions.

Writer's notes:

Wanted to share this information with you. For those who own the targeted vehicles, my hope is that you can take precautionary measures. This is a wake-up call to parents of teens that are being influenced by TikTok

Ironically, last night's dream, or should it be called a nightmare, involved my car being stolen from the Home Depot parking lot. (The bizarre details of the dream/nightmare can be seen on my Facebook page.)

Thank you for reading. You are always appreciated.