Hyundai and Kia Owners in New Bedford Get New Theft Warnings

Police in New Bedford, Massachusetts, are again placing warning cards on Hyundai and Kia vehicles to alert owners about theft risks. The move comes even as thefts of these models have dropped from earlier highs, thanks to awareness campaigns, software updates, free steering locks, and lawsuits.

The cards, written in English and Spanish, tell owners to lock their doors, avoid leaving keys inside, park in well-lit areas, and consider using a steering wheel lock. A message from the New Bedford Police Department notes that many Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been targeted nationwide, and even if a car is not one of the vulnerable models, thieves often cannot tell the difference until after breaking in.

Millions of Hyundai and Kia vehicles built between 2011 and 2022 were delivered without engine immobilizers, which led to a surge in thefts after the Covid-19 pandemic. Police spokesperson Holly Huntoon told WBSM that the notices are a community outreach tool to encourage owners to take extra precautions.

She said the goal is simply to make owners aware that their vehicles have been targeted nationwide. Many owners may not realize their car is a potential target, and the notices aim to change that.