NSR: Anti-Theft Clinic for Korean cars

[Stig / Major Tom]

Was at a light in front of a large local Kia and Hyundai dealership today.
They had a sign out front advertising that they offered a free manufacturer's Anti-Theft Clinic.
Kias and Hyundais are being stolen at record rates....often by kids.
The news is out on their social media sites.
Anyway - after reading about this problem for many months it is good to see that the maker is offering an effective deterrent
Fixed cars receive a window sticker.
I read that insurance companies were declining to cover these models.
Stig

[randyo]

must be a zip code thing, people steal trucks around here

[Viper254]

We've had a similar epidemic in the UK with Range Rovers!

The good news is that the thieves normally break down after about 100 yards, hampering their effective escape.

[rjs987]

Maybe you all need window stickers for those other vehicles too! 

[Stig / Major Tom]

In 2023 -  51% of cars stolen in Columbus Ohio Kias and Hyundais.

One recent week/end it was 23 out of 26.

Stig

[randyo]

In 2023 -  51% of cars stolen in Columbus Ohio Kias and Hyundais.

One recent week/end it was 23 out of 26.

Stig

makes no sense to me at all, what is so desirable in Ohio about Korean cars ?,  what is happening to the stolen cars? are they being recovered with minimal damage? Chopped for parts?  Crushed for scrap metal? Hustled off the Russia for sale there?

[Stig / Major Tom]

makes no sense to me at all, what is so desirable in Ohio about Korean cars ?,  what is happening to the stolen cars? are they being recovered with minimal damage? Chopped for parts?  Crushed for scrap metal? Hustled off the Russia for sale there?

They're the easiest to  steal.
Joy riders....then they dump them.
Right of Passage in some circles.
It's not just Ohio, by any means!
Stig

[stuo]

I agree with Stig. There probably is an easy way to break in and start them. At one time Toyota Camry's were being stolen more than other brands; it turned out that a "bump key", an uncut blank, would open the door and start the ignition. There are even youtube vids that teach you how, which seems outrageous.

The only good news is that if you recover your stolen car there may not be any damage, as with my 88 Camry, which was found parked close to where it was stolen. I bought a sturdy steering wheel lock.

[Neil955i]

We've had a similar epidemic in the UK with Range Rovers!

The good news is that the thieves normally break down after about 100 yards, hampering their effective escape.

Hah ha!  (Speaking as an ex-Range Rover driver!)

[Stig / Major Tom]

 In the mid 70's I had a green '65 Mustang convertible like this in Massachusetts.
Of course I never put the top up - including in the winter going to work on I-91. Snow blew right over!



ownership fun facts:
a) I was pulled over in Connecticut by patrolman one day, he wanted to know - "does that have the 289!!?"
I'd no clue - so we popped the hood. "Yep, there it is!!....OK, you folks have a nice day!"

b) I never locked the doors, of course, when parked at night in my rough neighborhood.
So - it was stolen twice. Found in Hartford, Conn. But never damaged - except for the ignition switch..

bb) one night, a block from my apt.,  I ran into an apt building to awaken the family when I spotted a fire..
The grandmother was so grateful....on the corner wrapped in a blanket, watching it burn with me......she said, "You saved all my babies! - what can we do for you Mr. Tom?"
Thinking.....I said, "ahhh, Grandmother, my Mustang, over there, has been stollen twice. Could you ask the kids.......etc.?" She nodded.
I never had a problem again. True story.

c) tried and failed to change the plugs once. The last one split the wall of the socket I'd borrowed from the gas station on the corner. Yeah, the days when a gas station would loan a neighbor guy a tool!

d) The first Mustang sold was a convertible - and it was sold in Canada.
The first Mustang sold in the U.S.A., was also a convertible! The lady still has it, I think.

e) My quiet little old teacher at Paris American High School (France) - bought a $5 ticket to the officer's wives charity - and won the new Mustang ('65?) fastback, in International Orange!





Stig