
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Car thieves are continuing to target Kias and Hyundais in high numbers.
Driving the news: Updated data from the St. Paul Police Department shows 115 Hyundais and 123 Kias were reported stolen in July and August — a 1,090% increase from the same period last year.
- The two brands accounted for nearly half of all stolen cars in St. Paul in July and August 2022.
The big picture: These car brands are being targeted by thieves across the country due to design flaws that make them relatively easy to steal, an Axios Local report found.
- A Kia spokesperson told Axios the problem is most prominent in the Midwest.
Of note: The cars have also become the most-stolen models in Minneapolis, MPD told Fox9 last month.
What to watch: A St. Paul man whose Kia was stolen in August recently filed a class action suit against the carmaker, Fox9 reports.
- Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states.
What to do: Hyundai is telling customers that if they want a specialized security kit to protect their vehicle, they'll need to pay for it.
- Otherwise, officials suggest owners try a steering-wheel lock.

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