Local car thefts are targeting Kia models

DAR File Photo

If you own a Kia or Hyundai vehicle, you should be extra careful — and not because of any particular manufacturer recall feature.

Within the past couple days, Poplar Bluff Police Department has been investigating multiple vehicle thefts. In total, there were five vehicle thefts in the city Poplar Bluff from Sunday night. The PBPD released a statement Monday morning in an effort to warn the community of the theft activity.

“Some of the vehicles have been recovered, along with potential video evidence to aid in the investigations,” a statement from the police department said. “We would like to remind the community to speak to your neighbors and assist each other by spotting criminal activities in your neighborhoods.”

Information from PBPD indicates that vehicles were stolen from: the 2700 block of Holly Trail, the 1700 and the 1800 blocks of Seifert Drive, the 2300 block of Leonard Street, and the 300 block of Roxie Drive. Three of the five stolen vehicles were found wrecked.

According to PBPD Investigator Dan Mustain, four of the five thefts from Sunday night were Kia vehicles; and he believes the crimes were committed in an opportunistic manner.

“We have seen reports that suggest thefts of Kia vehicles have increased by 1,000% in the past few years,” Mustain remarked. “Kia and Hyundai models are specifically targeted because there seems to be a flaw in their design that makes them easier to steal.”

Mustain went on to explain that while specific methods may vary, various social media platforms have been disseminating information regarding the ease with which an individual can take either a Kia or a Hyundai.

“I’m not sure exactly what the different exploits are,” Mustain noted. “But, they are evidently easy to ‘hot-wire’ and steal.”

Mustain noted that it doesn’t appear the vehicles are being stolen for any other reason than for joyriding purposes.

“I can’t see any clear motive other than the fact that it’s easy for them to do,” Mustain suggested. “These vehicles are being stolen and abandoned, or crashed and abandoned. It doesn’t make much sense.”

The police department went on to encourage people to report any suspicious activity to the police department. “Also, we recommend installing security cameras with proper positioning focused on the parking spaces and security lighting is also a good deterrent for criminal activity,” the statement continued. “Finally, we encourage everyone to lock your vehicles and to remove any keys and valuables from your vehicles.”

The police department is requesting anyone who may have seen anything to give them a call at 573-785-5776.