Kias and Hyundais are being stolen in America at an alarming rate. Using a screwdriver and a USB cable, it’s trivially easy to steal one. Kia and Hyundai blame social media, but the problem is so overwhelming that several cities are suing the car manufacturer for creating a crime epidemic by electing not to build a $100 anti-theft device into some models.
This week on Cyber, Motherboard Reporter Aaron Gordon stops by to walk us through what’s really behind the viral crime wave.
Videos by VICE
‘Kia Boys’ Trend Fueling Nationwide Crime Wave Is Running Rampant on Instagram
What It’s Like To Own the Cars That Became a Viral Sensation To Steal
Kia and Hyundai Blame TikTok and Instagram For Their Cars Getting Stolen
U.S. Cities Have a Staggering Problem of Kia and Hyundai Thefts. This Data Shows It.
We’re recording CYBER live on Twitch. Watch live during the week. Follow us there to get alerts when we go live. We take questions from the audience and yours might just end up on the show.
Subscribe to CYBER on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts.