Kia offering free upgrades to combat car thefts in Cleveland

Melissa Reid
·2 min read
1

CLEVELAND (WJW) – As the Kia and Hyundai crime wave continues to roll through Northeast Ohio, one automaker is hosting a free community clinic to help cut car thefts in Cleveland.

“It’s a start. I’m glad they are doing something,” said Cleveland Councilman Kris Harsh.

Over the past couple years, Kia and Hyundai car thefts have skyrocketed in Northeast Ohio, particularly in Ward 13.

“Old Brooklyn had one of the highest Kia and Hyundai theft rates in the entire city,” said Harsh.

‘The silent killer’: Health advocates say Cleveland restaurant menus should have sodium warnings

To address the problem, Kia USA is holding a free event this weekend at the Cleveland Aquarium where Kia owners can get anti-theft software upgrades.

“We went to our research teams and found a way to deter theft is a software based solution that basically acts as an immobilizer in the vehicle,” said James Bell, a spokesman for Kia USA.

Bell said Kia has already been doing upgrades at dealerships, but this gives drivers another option.

“We are hoping to speak to people who own 2011 to 2021 Kias that use a steel key to start,” said Bell.

“I think it’s important that we keep pushing these companies that are clearly sending defective vehicles into our neighborhood,” said Harsh, who authored legislation calling on the city to file a lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai last spring.

Heart pumps recalled after reports of 14 deaths, over 270 injuries: FDA

The city of Parma also filed suit.

Meanwhile, Bell said people do not need to make an appointment this weekend. Once the upgrade is done, drivers will get a window decal to discourage any theft.

“Besides having the software done and a sticker on the window, we are happy to provide a steering wheel lock,” said Bell.

“It’s still a continuing problem. We had one stolen the other day. Someone went inside their house and when they came out, their car was gone,” said Harsh.

The event is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.