Aniyah Hart
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Over the past few years, car thefts in the United States have reached and all time high. Certain groups of people and social media trends have influenced younger audiences to participate in dangerous acts, with car theft being one of them. Most of these thefts have targeted Kia and Hyundai brand cars due to the relatively low effort required to steal them. Approximately 9 million of these vehicles have been broken into or stolen. Not only have the owners of these vehicles been offered anti-theft devices and steering wheel locks, but it has also reached a point where automakers are planning to compensate owners.
Morgan State University student Keezi shared her experience when her vehicle was broken into and stolen from her off-campus apartment. “I think having cameras in the neighborhoods with high theft would keep thieves accountable and help people find who committed the crime…I never found out who stole my car.” She continued, “I now keep a steering wheel lock on my car at night, and I never plan to buy a Hyundai again; please take extra measures to protect your car before something happens to it or to you.”
Trae Corbin from the Baltimore County Police Department provided information about recent vehicle break-ins. He stated, “In response to persistent thefts targeting certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizer anti-theft devices, the Baltimore County Police Department is collaborating with Thompson Hyundai and the Precinct-12 Community Police Alliance in hosting a one-day event to provide Baltimore County Hyundai owners whose vehicles are equipped with a standard “turn-key-to-start” ignition with the necessary anti-theft software upgrade. Additionally, steering wheel locks will also be provided.” According to the statistics Corbin shared, there has been a 179% increase in vehicle thefts.
It is similar to the Anne Arundel County PD record department on motor vehicle thefts. From January 1st to September 30th, there have been 1,360 motor vehicle thefts, 1,624 thefts from motor vehicles, and 772 thefts of motor vehicle parts. These numbers represent reported events within Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and do not reflect “attempted” actions.
It appears that the best advice is to hide your belongings or refrain from leaving them in your car, is to be aware of your surroundings, and, as Officer Davidson suggests, “if you see something, say something.”