Police urge drivers to 'lock up' after 35 car thefts in just one week in New Castle County
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. - Dozens of cars have fallen victim to a recent crime spree, prompting an investigation by police in New Castle County.
Police say 35 car thefts or attempted car thefts have been reported over the past seven days. The exact locations and date have yet to be released.
Twenty-six of the targeted vehicles are said to be either Hyundai or Kia models, which have been the target of social media challenges.
New Jersey's Attorney General says the vehicle models account for 19 percent of the state’s car thefts.
Police warn of new social media challenge that targets certain models of cars
The Lower Moreland Police Department in Montgomery County issued a warning Wednesday that a new TikTok challenge "encourages teens and young adults to break into these cars and steal them."
Both Kia and Hyundai have been offering millions of effected car owners a security software update, but some who already got the update still feel their car is a target.
"They are targeting everyday normal hardworking people that probably bust their butts every day to make the money to pay for those cars," said Hyundai-owner Laura Stevenson.
Stevenson says one was stolen from her neighborhood about a month ago.
"It’s nerve-racking because I constantly lock my car door about 100 times before I go to bed," she said. "And I’m constantly keeping an eye on it when I’m home so it makes you feel uneasy."
Police are urging all vehicle owners to take these steps to help cut down on thefts in the area:
- Lock your doors. Use the 9 p.m. routine to make sure your cars are secured.
- Remove your keys and spare keys from the vehicle.
- Make sure all windows are closed.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Park near surveillance cameras.
- Install an audible alarm or motion-activated in-car camera.
- Install an additional tracking device.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Don’t leave your car running unoccupied.
- Be alert.
If your car is stolen, contact police immediately.