Evanston saw a 94% increase in motor vehicle thefts in 2023 compared to 2022, according to a public records request, bringing the number of vehicle thefts up to 295 from 152.
Vehicle thefts have increased 278.2% since 2013, up from 78 thefts a decade ago. Police Commander Ryan Glew says the increase comes after a TikTok trend took the nation by storm.
Kia and Hyundai car models accounted for roughly over 60% of motor vehicle thefts, Glew told Pioneer Press. This comes after the TikTok “Kia Boyz” theft method which started in Milwaukee, made its way to Evanston in fall 2022.
“Especially with Kia and Hyundai (cars), an effective method of how to steal these cars has been disseminated on social media,” Glew said. “Nearly all of the Kias and Hyundais had their steering columns peeled. This is the ‘Kia Boyz’ method.”
The “Kia Boyz” method uses a USB cable to turn the transmission tumbler, start the car and release the steering lock, according to a video Glew shared with Pioneer Press. Evanston police incident reports describe perpetrators gaining access to vehicles by smashing car windows.
Glew says the Evanston Police Department uses license plate recognition systems to alert officers when stolen vehicles are spotted. He says these alerts not only allow officers to find stolen vehicles, but serves as an “indicator (of when) additional thefts could be imminent.”
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Alongside utilizing license plate recognition systems, Glew says EPD worked with Kia and Hyundai to distribute wheel locks to car owners.
Wheel locks are just one way to combat the increased number of automobile thefts in Evanston. Glew says parking in a well-lit area or locked garage could also help deter thieves. Additionally, Glew suggests putting an Apple AirTag or another form of tracker in cars, and ensuring all vehicle recall notices are taken seriously.
After a recovered vehicle theft or attempted theft, the EPD processes the vehicle into evidence with the owner’s consent. Fingerprints are then taken and sent to a lab, Glew said. Officers also review surveillance footage and follow up on leads until an offender is identified, at which time Glew says EPD would “seek to charge the offender in cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s office.”
The city of Chicago filed suit against the two vehicle manufacturers in August for failing to install engine immobilizers in some models. The lawsuit stated 41% of thefts in the city were Kia or Hyundai models, equating to over 8,800 vehicles.
A class-action lawsuit resolved in 2023 will provide cash compensation to customers who incurred theft-related losses or damage that was not covered by insurance — as well as reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other losses, according to Kia and Hyundai. Compatible Kia vehicles were offered free software updates to prevent theft and the company is beginning to offer ignition lock cylinder protectors free of charge to those whose vehicles couldn’t receive software updates.