Worcester, Massachusetts, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Worcester, Massachusetts, has reported ten car thefts since July, primarily involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles. A specific security vulnerability allows thieves to bypass their ignition systems, prompting police warnings. The thefts tend to occur during overnight hours, notably around Main and Elm streets. Local law enforcement advises vehicle owners to secure their cars, park in well-lit areas, and seek software updates from dealerships to counteract the vulnerability. This trend is part of a larger rise in thefts linked to a viral TikTok challenge targeting these models.
Worcester — Ten car thefts have been reported in Worcester, Massachusetts, since July. Eight of the stolen vehicles were Kias, and two were Hyundais. Worcester police issued the warning due to the thefts exploiting a specific security vulnerability. The vulnerability allows thieves to bypass the ignition system of certain Kia and Hyundai models.
What happened
The incidents primarily occurred during the overnight or early morning hours. A cluster of thefts has been reported in the area of Main and Elm streets. Thieves typically gain entry by either breaking a window or entering an unlocked vehicle. Once inside, they tamper with the steering column and ignition system in attempts to start the vehicle. Even unsuccessful theft attempts can cause significant damage to the vehicles.
Police response and safety steps
Police recommend that Kia and Hyundai owners contact local dealerships for potential software updates or retrofit kits. Utilizing a steering wheel lock is also advised for added vehicle security. The investigation into the thefts is ongoing, but no additional information is currently available. Worcester police previously issued a similar warning last year regarding the vulnerability.
Where else this is a concern
Recent statistics indicate a rise in thefts associated with a viral TikTok challenge, where specific models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are targeted. Since November 1, 2023, there have been 24 stolen Hyundai vehicles and 12 Kia vehicles. Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounted for 25% of motor vehicle thefts during that period. The Hyundai Elantra was noted as the most targeted model, accounting for 34% of recent thefts. Recent theft hotspots include Chandler and Austin Street, as well as Front and Commercial Street.
Expert advice
Law enforcement expert Todd McGhee emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent vehicle thefts. Simple security measures, such as wheel locks, can be effective deterrents against theft. Police continue to investigate the recent trends in vehicle thefts in Worcester.
Details for vehicle owners
Vehicle owners in the affected areas should take immediate, low-cost precautions. Recommended actions include making sure vehicles are locked at all times, parking in well-lit or monitored areas when possible, and using physical anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks. Owners of the specific Kia and Hyundai models mentioned should reach out to their local dealerships to inquire about software updates or retrofit kits that can address the ignition bypass vulnerability.
How incidents affect vehicles
Even where theft attempts fail, damage to windows, steering columns, and ignition systems can be expensive to repair and can render a vehicle inoperable. Owners should document any signs of forced entry or tampering and report them to police and their insurance providers. Timely reporting helps investigators link incidents and identify patterns.
Ongoing investigation
Local law enforcement in Worcester is continuing the inquiry into these thefts and related trends. Residents are encouraged to share relevant information and surveillance footage with investigators to support a faster response. At present, authorities have not released additional details beyond warnings, recommended precautions, and the locations and counts outlined above.
Quick summary
- Ten car thefts have been reported in Worcester, Massachusetts, since July.
- Eight of the stolen vehicles were Kias, and two were Hyundais.
- The vulnerability allows thieves to bypass the ignition system of certain Kia and Hyundai models.
- Police recommend contacting local dealerships for potential software updates or retrofit kits and using a steering wheel lock for added security.
FAQ
Q: How many thefts have been reported recently in Worcester?
A: Ten car thefts have been reported in Worcester, Massachusetts, since July.
Q: Which brands and models are involved?
A: Eight of the stolen vehicles were Kias, and two were Hyundais.
Q: Why did police issue a warning?
A: Worcester police issued the warning due to the thefts exploiting a specific security vulnerability.
Q: What does the vulnerability do?
A: The vulnerability allows thieves to bypass the ignition system of certain Kia and Hyundai models.
Q: When are the thefts occurring?
A: The incidents primarily occurred during the overnight or early morning hours.
Q: Where have clusters of thefts been reported?
A: A cluster of thefts has been reported in the area of Main and Elm streets.
Q: How do thieves gain entry?
A: Thieves typically gain entry by either breaking a window or entering an unlocked vehicle.
Q: What do thieves do once inside?
A: Once inside, they tamper with the steering column and ignition system in attempts to start the vehicle.
Q: Do failed theft attempts cause problems?
A: Even unsuccessful theft attempts can cause significant damage to the vehicles.
Q: What should Kia and Hyundai owners do?
A: Police recommend that Kia and Hyundai owners contact local dealerships for potential software updates or retrofit kits.
Q: Are there simple physical measures to take?
A: Utilizing a steering wheel lock is also advised for added vehicle security.
Q: Is the investigation finished?
A: The investigation into the thefts is ongoing, but no additional information is currently available.
Q: Has this been warned about before?
A: Worcester police previously issued a similar warning last year regarding the vulnerability.
Q: Is there a wider trend related to social media?
A: Recent statistics indicate a rise in thefts associated with a viral TikTok challenge, where specific models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are targeted.
Q: What are the recent larger theft figures since late 2023?
A: Since November 1, 2023, there have been 24 stolen Hyundai vehicles and 12 Kia vehicles.
Q: How much do Hyundai and Kia account for in motor vehicle thefts?
A: Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounted for 25% of motor vehicle thefts during that period.
Q: Which model is most targeted?
A: The Hyundai Elantra was noted as the most targeted model, accounting for 34% of recent thefts.
Q: What other hotspots exist?
A: Recent theft hotspots include Chandler and Austin Street, as well as Front and Commercial Street.
Q: What do experts advise?
A: Law enforcement expert Todd McGhee emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent vehicle thefts.
Q: Are wheel locks useful?
A: Simple security measures, such as wheel locks, can be effective deterrents against theft.
Q: Are police still working on this?
A: Police continue to investigate the recent trends in vehicle thefts in Worcester.
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Quick reference table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Reported thefts in Worcester | Ten car thefts have been reported in Worcester, Massachusetts, since July. |
| Vehicle makes affected | Eight of the stolen vehicles were Kias, and two were Hyundais. |
| Security concern | The vulnerability allows thieves to bypass the ignition system of certain Kia and Hyundai models. |
| When | The incidents primarily occurred during the overnight or early morning hours. |
| Known local clusters | A cluster of thefts has been reported in the area of Main and Elm streets. Recent theft hotspots include Chandler and Austin Street, as well as Front and Commercial Street. |
| How entry is gained | Thieves typically gain entry by either breaking a window or entering an unlocked vehicle. |
| Recommended actions | Police recommend that Kia and Hyundai owners contact local dealerships for potential software updates or retrofit kits. Utilizing a steering wheel lock is also advised for added vehicle security. |
| Broader trend | Recent statistics indicate a rise in thefts associated with a viral TikTok challenge, where specific models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles are targeted. |
| Since Nov 1, 2023 | Since November 1, 2023, there have been 24 stolen Hyundai vehicles and 12 Kia vehicles. |
| Share of thefts | Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounted for 25% of motor vehicle thefts during that period. |
| Most targeted model | The Hyundai Elantra was noted as the most targeted model, accounting for 34% of recent thefts. |
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