ANNAPOLIS, Md. – “How-to” videos on the internet have proven useful to countless people in America looking for instructions to figure out how to carry out any number of tasks. However, what happens when this type of internet content shows people how to carry out certain crimes, such as stealing a car?
That is exactly what these so-called “Kia Boys” videos are doing on YouTube and TikTok.
This shocking trend has captured the attention of a number of car dealers and owners. One such dealer named Geoff Pohanka, told WUSA9 that he was shocked by how easy it could be to steal a vehicle.
“We’ve had several [cars] stolen off our lot in Fredericksburg, and to have these outrageous videos that are easily researched, easily seen on social media. Something should be done about it.”
In response to the outrage, Congressional Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland’s 4th District has contacted the higher ups at both Google and TikTok in an attempt to have these types of videos banned from the platforms.
According to the congressman, YouTube and TikTok have responded to his pleas and have promised to get this content off their sites.
Hyundai has also announced that they will be adding new features to their vehicles in hopes of preventing theft.
Kia America released the following statement on the software upgrade:
“Kia has been releasing enhanced security software to restrict the unauthorized operation of vehicle ignition systems on certain models not equipped with an immobilizer. Kia is notifying eligible owners by mail when the software is available for their vehicles and instructing them to bring their vehicle to the nearest Kia dealership for the free upgrade, which takes under an hour to install. Some owners have already been to their dealer to receive the software upgrade and it will be available for owners of additional affected vehicles over the next few months.
In addition to the software upgrade, Kia continues to make steering wheel locks available to owners of affected vehicles at no cost through interested local law enforcement agencies. The company remains concerned about incidents of car theft targeting certain Kia models, encouraged in some cases by social media content promoting criminal conduct, and is committed to supporting law enforcement and owners in addressing these crimes.
Kia owners with questions may contact our Customer Care team directly at 1-800-333-4542 (4Kia). In addition, a special section of the Owner’s Portal at Kia.com has been published for owners to research software upgrade eligibility and availability, and receive more information on ordering a steering wheel lock if applicable at https://owners.kia.com/us/en/kia-owner-portal.html/. “
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