Last summer, the number of auto thefts in the US skyrocketed due to videos that went viral on the popular social media platform TikTok. This trend, which generally affects Kia vehicles released between 2011-2021 and Hyundai vehicles released between 2016-2021, showed the audience how to enter vehicles with screwdrivers, USB cables and how to operate the car.
After the huge increase in thefts, we have seen some security measures from brands. The first of these was the steering lock feature. A few months ago, a security software update was introduced that extended the alarm time of vehicles, allowing them to lock and shut itself down. Today, a move came directly from the US police on this issue.
New York police will distribute AirTags to citizens to prevent vehicle thefts
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has received a device to use Apple’s tracking device, AirTag, against increased thefts due to TikTok. New York Mayor Eric Adams announced yesterday that 500 free AirTags will be distributed to citizens in the city, so that vehicles can be monitored against the risk of theft.
Referring to the TikTok trend that appeared last year, Adams stated that the viral videos known as “Kia Boyz” are directly linked to car thefts in the city. John Chell of the NYPD also cited the rise in thefts, reporting that 966 Hyundais and Kias have already been stolen in the city this year. The fact that this number is 819 in the whole of 2022 also revealed how serious the situation is.
Although Apple’s AirTag devices normally find things like wallets and suitcases in real time, they can also be used for things like cars. New York officials also underline that people should keep their AirTags in a good place in their vehicles in case they are found.
This move in New York isn’t the first use of AirTag in crime. In the past weeks, we have seen that the device was used to bring down a drug gang in the USA again.
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