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Police arrest 6 juveniles accused of stealing Hyundai, Kia in Kansas City, Johnson County

Anna Spoerre
·4 min read

Six juveniles have been arrested in connection to a string of car thefts in Johnson County, police said Monday.

Just after 2 a.m. Monday, Olathe police heard car tires squeal in the 1000 block of West Virginia Lane, Sgt. Joel Yeldell, a spokesman with the police department, said in a news release.

Police then saw several people running away from a 2020 Kia Optima, Yeldell said. Officers realized the Kia had been reported stolen out of Kansas City.

Six juveniles, whose names are not being released because they are children, were arrested in connection with the stolen Kia. Yeldell said they’ve since also been connected to a second stolen vehicle, a 2017 Hyundai Sonata that was reported stolen in Overland Park.

Police are still investigating the thefts. Anyone with information is asked to call the Olathe Police Department at 913-971-6363 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.

Reports of stolen Kia and Hyundai cars have soared across the country over the past few months. This has been blamed, in part, on a challenge on TikTok teaching viewers how to steal Hyundais and Kias. KCPD spokespeople said Kansas City hasn’t escaped the trend.

Last year in Kansas City, the police department recorded nearly 6,000 vehicle thefts. As of March, more than a third of vehicles stolen up to that point in Kansas City were Kia or Hyundai.

Last week, the Kansas City Police Department announced it is giving out free steering wheel locks, courtesy of the vehicle manufacturers, to help prevent these thefts.

In addition to the free steering wheel locks, Hyundai and Kia are still providing free vehicle updates to prevent future car thefts. In response to the widespread car thefts, both manufacturers developed theft-deterrent software for millions of vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hyundai or Kia owners who doesn’t have a car immobilizer — an electronic device that prevents a car from starting unless you have the right key — can receive one for free.

These immobilizers update the car’s theft alarm software to extend the alarm’s length from 30 seconds to one minute. The new software also requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the car on.

Hyundai owners can enter their vehicle identification number into an online tool to see when they are eligible to schedule their upgrade.

Kia has also said they are notifying owners by mail when software updates are available for their car. This requires they bring their car to a Kia dealership in order to get the free car immobilizer update.

Owners of the following Hyundai and Kia vehicles can get a free steering wheel lock from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday from the KCPD headquarters at 1125 Locust St. or at any of their six patrol stations:

Hyundai vehicles

  • 2011-2022 Accent

  • 2011-2022 Elantra

  • 2013-2017 Elantra GT

  • 2013-2014 Elantra Coupe

  • 2011-2012 Elantra Touring

  • 2011-2014 Genesis Coupe

  • 2018-2022 Kona

  • 2020-2021 Palisade

  • 2011-2022 Santa Fe

  • 2013-2019 Santa Fe XL

  • 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport

  • 2011-2019 Sonata

  • 2011-2022 Tucson

  • 2012-2017 and 2019-2021 Veloster

  • 2020-2021 Venue

Kia vehicles

  • 2011-2021 Forte

  • 2021-2022 K5

  • 2011-2020 Optima

  • 2011-2021 Rio

  • 2011-2021 Sedona

  • 2021-2022 Seltos

  • 2010-2022 Soul

  • 2011-2022 Sorento

  • 2011-2022 Sportage

TIPS TO AVOID CAR THEFT

A spokesperson with the NHTSA advises that drivers use common sense when parking and getting out of a vehicle by incorporating the following tips into their routine:

  • Take your vehicle’s key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.

  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.

  • Never leave valuables in your car, especially if they’re visible from the outside.

  • Never leave your car unoccupied and running, even for a short period of time.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CAR IS STOLEN?

If your vehicle is stolen, the NHTSA advises that you contact your local police department immediately and file a stolen vehicle report.

You will need a copy of the police report or a case number to provide to your insurance company. You may also be asked to provide the following information:

  • License plate number;

  • Make, model, and color of your vehicle

  • VIN and any identifying characteristics

Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of your vehicle being stolen.

If you find your vehicle before local authorities do, contact the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.

The Star’s Joseph Hernandez contributed.