ATLANTA — Members of the Atlanta Police Department on Wednesday talked about how they plan to deal with the uptick in car thieves that are targeting Kia and Hyundai models.
In a recent public safety meeting, auto thefts were said to be up by 755% compared to last year, with hundreds of thefts taking place since the start of the year, according to Deputy Chief Timothy D. Peek with the APD.
APD Cpt. R. Woolfolk confirmed in a press conference today that 60% of all auto thefts seen in the city involve Kia and Hyundai cars.
The thefts have gotten so bad that some car insurance companies have even stopped covering Hyundai and Kia models.
Why the increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts and who is committing these crimes?
Investigators believe the rise in thefts may be due to videos circulating online that instruct people on how to steal Kias and Hyundais. Video-sharing platforms like TikTok even show step-by-step guides on how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models.
At today's press conference, Woolfolk said that juveniles are the ones typically committing Kia and Hyundai thefts, with many being closely related to gang activity.
Where are these thefts happening?
Woolfolk confirmed that these types of auto thefts are happening at apartments, parking lots, streets and businesses. These cars are usually stolen when the vehicles are left running.
He also added that activity hotspots have been identified in Zones 1, 3 and 4 which encompass northwest, southeast and southwest Atlanta. Police could not say exactly where these hotspots are.
What impact is this having on Kia and Hyundai owners?
Zone 1 Commander Major R. Moorman said auto thefts are negatively impacting residents who own certain Kia and Hyundai models.
"I have visited with several people, who have been victimized multiple times, its really frustrating to see this," Moorman said.
Police said thefts cause insurances rates to influx for theft victims and leave them without a car.
How are these thefts affecting city resources?
In the prior public safety meeting, committee chair member Dustin Hillis expressed concern about the auto thefts causing increased costs to the city.
The committee chair member wanted to know specifically how many 911 calls are being made to report auto thefts and how much time Atlanta Police dedicate to responding, investigating, making an arrest and attending court.
While police didn't provide any updates to this, Woolfolk said the scope of their investigations have stayed the same areas since many of the vehicle thefts "overlap into gang territories."
Unfortunately, Woolfolk also confirmed that auto thefts are showing up in more serious crimes than just joyrides. Stolen cars are being used in shootings and aggravated assaults.
"This particular crime is driving our crimes in the city of Atlanta," Woolfolk said.
What are Atlanta Police doing to help prevent auto thefts?
Atlanta Police are "in talks" with Kia and Hyundai to bring new updates to to the metro Atlanta area. Currently, they said they are dealing with scheduling conflicts with the manufacturers.
Moorman announced that the department is receiving donated car clubs to hand out to residents, which help prevent theft and make you less likely to be a target.
If you couldn't make today's giveaway at the plaza of Fairburn Road and MLK Jr. Drive, you can request one by emailing him Zone 4 Commander Major Antonio Clay at abclay@atlantaga.gov.
They said you must be an Atlanta resident and own a Kia or Hyundai.
As for helping the youth, Moorman said the department is "doing a lot of proactive engagement" with youth living in Zone 1, which houses many of youth involved in auto thefts.
Woolfolk urges parents to be vigilant, especially as spring break and summer approach. He said several programs are available for children that are conducted through the mayor's office.
Woolfolk said youth involved in auto thefts could face jail time.
"We have adopted a non tolerance policy," he said.