Dallas Car Thefts Linked to Social Media Trend, Police Report

Dallas police are actively searching for suspects in a growing number of car thefts, which they believe are linked to a social media trend. This trend has led to an increase in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles across the country.

The latest victim, Steven Binko, discovered his car might have been targeted due to this trend. When he reviewed his security camera footage, he saw a white Kia Soul enter the parking lot. The driver jumped out of the moving car and ran away, causing the Kia to crash into another vehicle as police arrived.

Dallas police reported the Kia as stolen and followed it into the apartment complex. However, they are still looking for the driver. Binko expressed his concerns, saying, “To have two incidents happen back-to-back in the same parking lot makes the area feel really unsafe.”

Investigators informed Binko that his Kia could have been targeted because of a social media trend that details how to steal certain Kia models. This trend has contributed to the rise in vehicle thefts involving these brands.

Binko shared his frustration and confusion: “When I see that, I think, how would you feel if someone broke into your car? I’m having a very hard time understanding.” Despite his skepticism about recovering his car, Binko wants to raise awareness to help others avoid similar situations. “They didn’t just take a car. They robbed me of my freedom, my safety, my peace of mind,” he said.

In response to the surge in thefts, Kia and Hyundai have offered free software updates and steering wheel locks to their customers, aiming to enhance vehicle security.