Kare11
Kia, Hyundai thefts on the rise
Hyundai says it’s issuing a security kit this weekend to help prevent thefts after a design flaw makes them easy targets.
MINNEAPOLIS — Hyundai and Kia vehicles continue to be a target for thieves. New data shows thefts continue to skyrocket because some models are so easy to steal.
It happened to one Minneapolis woman in broad daylight.
Melissa Winship could see it all unfolding from her front window on Sept. 18 — thieves caught on a security camera, stealing her Hyundai SUV and her neighbor’s Kia.
“There are so many reasons it could have been worse, but it’s definitely still a big inconvenience in my life,” said Winship. “All I could do was sit here and hope police come and interrupt it.”
What happened to Winship is part of a nationwide trend that shows Hyundai and Kia thefts spiking.
In St. Paul, police report 622 of those vehicles were stolen January through August, compared to 79 that same time last year. Minneapolis Police say, last year at this time, there were 40 Kia vehicles stolen and this year, that number has soared to more than 200.
“They came and did it because they could and it’s all over TikTok and YouTube telling them they could,” said Winship.
A class action lawsuit filed this month alleges that there’s an issue with a traditional key, making certain models easy to start — with even a USB port, screwdriver or pocketknife.
MORE NEWS: Man charged in connection to one of the largest seizure of fentanyl pills in state history
“They take off the whole steering area and the shape fits perfectly into the little metal piece and to turn it,” said Winship. “If nothing is done and this just keeps happening, I can see myself not wanting that car anymore.”
In a statement, both Kia and Hyundai say their newer models have “push button to start” systems making them harder to steal.
“Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the recent rise in auto thefts of certain Hyundai model vehicles. While all of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, unfortunately, our vehicles have been targeted in a coordinated effort on social media. Criminals are targeting our vehicles without engine immobilizers. Immobilizers became standard on all vehicles produced after November 1, 2021,” writes Ira Gabriel, head of Corporate and Marketing PR for Hyundai Motor America.
“While no car can be made theft-proof, criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and “turn-to-start” ignition system. The majority of Kia vehicles in the United States are equipped with a key fob and “push-button-to-start” system, making them more difficult to steal. All 2022 Kia models and trims have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the model year or as a running change,” writes James Bell, head of communications for Kia America.
The two are also offering steering wheel locks to law enforcement, like the St. Paul Police Department that gave one to Winship for free.
And starting October 1st, Hyundai will start distributing security kits, but its spokesman wouldn’t say how much they might cost to buy or install, writing instead, “Beginning October 1, 2022, this security kit will be available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country. Hyundai will provide additional details soon, and customers who have questions can always contact the Hyundai Consumer Assistance Center at 800-633-5151.”
Kia says it’s not announcing a similar kit at this time.
“If there’s a way from to prevent this from happening, why wouldn’t they just give it out to those people,” asked Winship, who is hopeful that telling her story leads to more accountability from the automakers.
“I’m that angry, I’m that frustrated, I’m that pissed off that it has to get out there,” said Winship. “I think it’s the only way something is going to happen if those of us that experienced this get out there and make a fuss about it.”
Police eventually found Winship’s SUV, but it needs to be repaired. And with lingering supply chain issues, the parts are on back order and she says it could be at least a month before she gets it back.
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities in our YouTube playlist:
St. Paul’s Harriet Island will host the event Sunday to raise money for colon cancer awareness and screenings.
ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul’s Harriet Island will host runners, walkers and supporters on Sunday for the 20th annual Get Your Rear in Gear event.
The fundraiser boosts money and awareness for colon cancer and the importance of screening for it. Attendees can enjoy music, snacks, a giant inflatable colon, timed 10K and 5K races, untimed 5K and one-mile memory walk and a Kids’ Fun Run.
Chris Evans, the president of the Colon Cancer Coalition, and William Pierce, a caregiver who lost his mom to colorectal cancer, visited KARE 11 News at Noon to share more about the event and the importance of screening.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,550 Minnesota residents will be diagnosed and 830 could lose their life to colon cancer in 2024.
ST PAUL, Minn. — Como Park Zoo & Conservatory debuted Wednesday the names of two ferocious new faces.
The twin cubs were born Aug. 29 as the first Amur tiger births at Como Zoo in more than 40 years. Longtime volunteers named them Marisa and Maks.
Volunteers named the female cub Marisa after a retired zookeeper who took care of large cats for 43 years at the park, according to Como Park’s website. The male cub was dubbed Maks, which volunteers said reflected his confident personality and early leadership skills.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to have long-term volunteers, who have spent years educating the public about our large cats, help shape this important moment in the cubs’ lives,” Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Director Michelle Furrer said on its website. “Marisa and Maks aren’t just names; they’re a fun reminder of the passion and care that keep us committed to protecting wildlife every day.”
The cubs and their mother Bernadette are staying in a private maternity den, not visible to the public. This is the first birth for 7-year-old Bernadette and the cubs’ father Tsar.
Occupants of the home on Nelson Street told fire crews everyone escaped the home but crews soon located an unconscious man in the basement.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A man is in unknown condition after being pulled from a burning home in St. Paul early Thursday.
St. Paul fire officials said engines were called to a home on the 10 block of Nelson St. just before 3 a.m. on reports of a fire. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a tuck-under garage of the two-story structure.
A number of people who escaped the home told firefighters that everyone was out, and the fire was knocked down. While searching the home crews discovered a man unconscious in the basement and pulled him from the home.
The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition. At this time there is no word on his current status.
Investigators say it appears the fire started in the garage and did not extend to the main living area, but the home was filled with thick, black smoke and likely experienced water damage. It is unknown if there were working smoke detectors in the house.
St. Paul fire and police investigators are working together to determine the cause of the fire.
Man rescued after 67 days adrift at sea describes how he survived after brother and nephew died: “I simply had no choice”
St. Paul to host colon cancer awareness event
Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to pay $880 million to settle over 1,300 sexual abuse claims
Man rescued after 67 days adrift at sea describes how he survived after brother and nephew died: “I simply had no choice”
St. Paul to host colon cancer awareness event
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings