Why The NYPD Is Asking People To Put Apple AirTags In Their Cars – SlashGear

TikTok is a real hotbed of trends and lifehacks. This can certainly be a positive thing, but its great influence should be used with care. In 2021, Kia and Hyundai vehicles became targets for thefts, to the extent that a group dubbed the Kia Boys emerged. Their shtick was, and is, stealing cars from these two manufacturers and recording their antics as part of the so-called Kia challenge. Some models from these automakers are easy to get into and then start by means of a simple USB-shaped lead.

The trend has, naturally, proven to be a challenge indeed for law enforcement across the United States. A lasting one, too: in April 2023, the City of New York issued a press release noting that both Mayor Adams and Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, New York City Corporation Counsel, are seeking action against the car makers. “The city intends to join ongoing national [litigation] against car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai that aims to hold the two companies accountable for refusing to equip certain models of both cars with standard anti-theft measures,” the release reads, stating that some cars from these companies essentially can’t recognize an unauthorized attempt to start the engine. As a result, it goes on, Kia was the hardest hit of the two: 890% more Kia vehicles were being stolen at the turn of 2023, hence the NYPD’s call for AirTag use.