From El Cajon polics

On February 15, the El Cajon Police Department announced that they've received more than 60 reports in 90 days of Kia and Hyundai cars either being stolen or broken into and damaged. The distress calls and reports were all from El Cajon, some stemming from a TikTok challenge. They then posted incriminating videos on their social media accounts of teens stealing the import cars with a USB cable.

Last month, San Diego Police officers found three male teenagers in Mission Valley as they were "in the process of stealing a Kia vehicle," reported 911 VIDEO NEWS. "But the officers surprised them as they started the car." The getaway driver backed into a car parked behind them, and then the trio disembarked from the Kia and ran away. The officers caught them in front of Shake Shack, and one of them mentioned the infamous TikTok "Kia Challenge,” and all three "started to smile or laugh," added the news reporter.

"I used to only have the red one (Club steering wheel lock) you see in the photo, but since it wasn't as visible, someone still broke into my car and tried stealing it."

The El Cajon policewoman on video warned residents of the Kia Challenge, which began on TikTok "several years ago" and spread to other digital platforms and has spread throughout San Diego County. They are usually videos of teens filming themselves breaking into Kias, stealing them, and posting the crime for the whole world to see — all for likes and shares.

In December, a white-colored Kia was stolen by First and Pennsylvania in Hillcrest. The victim said the stolen car was found in Mexico; it's "so upsetting — I’m glad we’re moving out of San Diego."

Kia theft shown on 911 Video News

Because of the number of thefts, owners looked to The Club-like steering wheel lock devices we used in the 90s.

C. Andersen from City Heights took extra precautions and had two steering wheel lock devices in his Kia. But that didn't stop thieves from breaking into his car a second time in December; he posted the damaging photos on NextDoor. "I have two [anti-theft devices]; I used to only have the red one you see in the photo, but since it wasn't as visible, someone still broke into my car and tried stealing it. It left my door lock and ignition damaged and my battery dead."

Another local Kia driver, Lynette, purchased a steering wheel lock device last year. "Glad I did," she said, "because someone broke into my car and tried to steal it not even a month later. Still had to spend over 500 dollars to get my door lock and ignition fixed because they probably used a screwdriver to try and take it." And as in the cases of other Kia victims, Lynette's battery died, which can cost an additional $200-$300 to replace.

Because Kias are an easy mark, "Unfortunately Kias are extremely hard to get full coverage (comp and collision)," said Chris from Colina del Sol, "due to the Kia Boys (Kia Boyz) going viral for stealing Kias." Chris works for an auto insurance company.

From a quick search online, Kia Boyz teens from other states seem to be on the prowl. But in October, here in San Diego County, Kia Boyz took it to another level. 

Lydia Goularte from City Heights recounted, "Last night my partner was tased and jumped by two Hispanic young males while on his evening walk. They only got away with the [Kia] keys in his pocket." Then Goularte woke up to discover their 2015 Kia Soul was stolen on Wightman Street by 45th. "Our 2015 Kia was totaled when it was found," she told me in a recent interview. Luckily, insurance covered the car, and they replaced it with a 2020 Kia.

According to multiple posts on Facebook and NextDoor, local Hyundai cars are being stolen as frequently as the Kias.

The El Cajon Police Department wants their outreach to go viral as well. "Beginning in June of 2023, Kia and Hyundai have issued RECALLS in response to increasing and persistent theft, targeting certain models," they said in the IG post mentioned at the beginning of this article. "Newer models are eligible for an anti-theft software upgrade, and older model vehicles without push button ignitions and immobilizer anti-theft devices will be provided steering wheel locks from the dealerships free of charge."