A single early-morning patrol shift in Eureka, California turned into a string of stolen-vehicle calls, underscoring how Kia and Hyundai models continue to be frequent targets for theft nationwide. Around 5 a.m., officers responded to an attempted theft involving another Kia, with police believing the suspect used the same ignition vulnerability that gained widespread attention in 2022, when a wave of thefts targeting certain Kia and Hyundai models using simple tools spread across the country.
A Confrontation Before Police Arrived
Before officers arrived at the scene, the vehicle’s owner confronted the suspect, who then fled in a separate stolen vehicle. Police have cautioned that suspects involved in these thefts, even younger ones, can behave unpredictably, and have urged residents not to personally intervene in theft situations.
Two More Stolen Kias, One Pursuit
As patrol units responded, they spotted two additional stolen Kias in the area. One driver refused to stop for police, leading to a brief pursuit through residential streets before officers called it off due to safety concerns. That vehicle was later found abandoned after intentionally colliding with a patrol car, which was significantly damaged in the process. K-9 units were brought in to search the area, though before that search concluded, dispatch received a report of yet another stolen Kia elsewhere in the city — the third theft reported before the shift’s early hours were over.
An Ongoing Nationwide Problem
Eureka police say the morning reflects a broader trend that has persisted since the theft method first went viral in 2022. Kia and Hyundai have released software updates addressing the vulnerability, but adoption has been inconsistent, and older models without the update remain especially susceptible. Both automakers have also distributed steering wheel locks to affected owners, though that hasn’t stopped determined thieves. Police continue to recommend basic deterrents: parking in well-lit areas, installing aftermarket alarms, and considering GPS tracking devices for vulnerable models.