Toyotas and Volkswagens have been the most frequent targets of car thieves in Eden Prairie this year, contrary to a recent national trend, according to an Eden Prairie Police Department (EPPD) report.
Kia and Hyundai models are being stolen at a far higher rate in St. Paul, Ohio, Florida and other metro areas, thanks to an apparent manufacturing flaw, according to recent published reports.
The Star Tribune reported that car thefts in St. Paul have increased by 40% this year compared to the same time last year. The report said that Kias and Hyundais have been the most frequently stolen.
Kia thefts, in particular, have increased from 24 to 248 in St. Paul compared to this time last year, according to the report.
EP thefts
Based on that information, EPLN asked the EPPD to break out the vehicle models most frequently stolen in Eden Prairie so far this year.
While Kia and Hyundai owners might be considering purchasing a steering wheel lock or installing an alarm system, the report suggests that owners of other car models might think about doing so, too.
Of the 20 cars stolen through June 30 in Eden Prairie, Toyotas and Volkswagens were most frequently targeted, with three thefts each in the first six months of 2022. Land Rovers and Hondas were next up at two thefts each.
Jeep, Ford, GMC, Mazda, Nissan, Dodge, Volvo, Chrysler and Infiniti each had one theft. Specific models of each vehicle were not included in the report.
One Hyundai was stolen; no Kias have been reported stolen this year in Eden Prairie.
The thefts of those two models are part of a national trend resulting from social media posts that show thieves how to use a manufacturer flaw allowing them to bypass the ignition system in older Kias and Hyundais.
Both Kia and Hyundai have said that they now install engine immobilizers, an electronic security feature that prevents the engine from starting, on their vehicles as standard equipment, according to published reports.
Comments
Comments aren’t allowed on our site, but we do offer several ways to provide feedback, and have your voice heard. If you believe the story has an error, or would like to get in touch with the author, please contact us. If you would like to respond directly to this article, we welcome and encourage Letters To the Editor. You can find details on how to submit a letter on our contact page.