TikTok car theft challenge: Chicago area sees 767% increase in Hyundai, Kia thefts
Fox News
Chicago police are warning of a 767% increase in Kia and Hyundai thefts since the beginning of July compared to last year, stemming from a TikTok challenge.
Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. Email tips to audrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants.
"Vehicle theft is up an astounding 767% due to an emerging TikTok challenge," The Chicago Police Department's 15th District said in an Aug. 24 community advisory. "This challenge is a play by play [sic] for young adults on how to steal both Hyundai and Kia vehicles. These automobile thefts are a crime of opportunity and can affect just about any member of the community."
Between July 1 and mid-August, there were 642 reported Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts compared to just 74 last year, according to the Cook County Sheriff's Office.