MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Thanks to an online social media challenge, Kia and Hyundai thefts have soared in recent years. In Manitowoc, they’re offering a reward for information on the person or people responsible in the recent uptick.
In Manitowoc, a town of nearly 35,000 people, police typically only see around two dozen car thefts each year.
“We’ve experienced eight vehicle thefts so far this calendar year, four of those being in the last two weeks,” says Sgt. Paul Krock. “So obviously to have eight at this point in the year is a little concerning.”
Krock is the crime prevention specialist for Manitowoc’s police department.
The recent uptick in car thefts shows a trend, too.
“Over the last two weeks, we’ve experienced four vehicle thefts, all of which were either Kia or Hyundai models.”
Thanks to a social media challenge that started in Milwaukee and Chicago, Kia and Hyundai thefts have been on the rise across the U.S.
By November of last year, 69% of all 2023 car thefts in Green Bay involved Kia or Hyundai models.
To try to stop the trend from continuing in their community, Manitowoc police are now offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
“So typically when we have ongoing thefts like this that occur in quick succession, it’s usually the same person group of people committing the thefts, it is very dangerous obviously, a lot of times these cars are stolen and then involved in other crimes, so definitely is a cause for concern,” Krock adds.
For those with the cars being targeted, which include turn-to-start ignition systems on models from 2011-2021, Kia dealerships – including in Green Bay – will install an anti-theft software upgrade at no cost. For those that are not eligible for the software upgrade, a free steering wheel lock can be picked up at Kia dealerships.
In the meantime, Manitowoc Police say to be aware.
“If you have a garage available, we recommend parking in a locked garage. If you don’t have a garage, definitely park in a well-lit area.”
Anyone with information regarding the thefts in Manitowoc is encouraged to call Crimestoppers at (920) 683-4466 or by using the P3 App. When calling, officials say to reference Manitowoc police incident 2024-00005586.
To expand access to those impacted by the thefts, or to those hoping to help prevent a theft, the Green Bay Police Department along with Bergstrom Hyundai and Dorsch Kia are hosting a free mobile anti-theft software upgrade clinic on June 5.
Details on the event, including when, where, and how to register, can be found here.
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