GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With thefts targeting certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles growing at a high rate in Green Bay, the city’s police department and two dealerships teamed up to combat the issue.
Bergstrom Hyundai and Dorsch Kia, in conjunction with the Green Bay Police Department (GBPD), held a free mobile anti-theft software upgrade clinic Wednesday at Leicht Memorial Park.
“We’ve had a lot of people show up to do it,” said GBPD Patrol Captain Clint Beguhn. “We’re just trying to educate people on what they can do to protect their vehicles.”
Since the start of 2023, GBPD said that it has opened investigations into the theft or attempted theft of 182 Hyundai and Kia vehicles — about two-thirds of the 265 reported cases in Green Bay so far this year.
Chelsea Hardy, warranty administrator for Dorsch Kia, explained how the anti-theft software upgrade is a simple process that makes a big difference.
“It’s just a plug-in to the module in the vehicle, giving it the most up-to-date software. If someone is attempting to break into it, it disables the starter itself — so yes, they may cause some damage to the vehicle, but they’re not going to get it running and off-site.”
According to Beguhn, people who attended the clinic provided positive feedback and were very appreciative. “It’s been really beneficial today. This is definitely something I think we’d like to do again in the next couple months because it’s gone so well,” he said.
Officials say the vehicles in need of the anti-theft software upgrade are those with a turn-key-to-start ignition system — not the push-button ignition system — for the makes, models and years listed below:
Hyundai:
Accent (2018-22)
Elantra (2011-22)
Elantra GT (2013-20)
Genesis Coupe (2013-14)
Kona (2018-22),
Palisade (2020-21)
Santa Fe (2013-22)
Santa Fe Sport (2013-18)
Santa Fe XL (2019)
Sonota (2011-19),
Tucson (2011-22)
Veloster (2012-17 & 2019-21)
Venue (2020-21)
Kia:
Forte (2011-22)
K5 (2021-22)
Optima (2011-20)
Rio (2011-21)
Sedona (2011-21)
Seltos (2021-22),
Sorento (2011-22)
Soul (2010-22)
Sportage (2011-22)
If you missed Wednesday’s event and are eligible for a software upgrade, you are encouraged to contact your local Hyundai or Kia dealership for assistance.
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