Fayetteville police warning Kia, Hyundai owners about social media challenge urging users to steal cars

A social media challenge to steal Hyundais and Kias is picking up steam in Fayetteville. That has police warning residents to take steps to protect their vehicles.

One woman who spoke with WRAL News recently had her car stolen, but was fortunate enough to get it back.

It's part of a growing problem here in Fayetteville. Kia and Hyundai vehicles are being stolen and Fayetteville police are trying to alert owners that there are some things they can do to keep their vehicles safe.

Billie Abddeen remembers how her 2016 Kia Sorento was stolen from outside her Rosehill Road apartment on June 28.

"He bust my back window in and climbed through the car," Abddeen said.

Fortunately, her car was recovered, but came back with a lot of damage. Abddeen's vehicle is one that people are being challenged to steal on TikTok.

Fayetteville Police are very aware of the growing problem. So far in 2023, thefts and attempted thefts of Kias and Hyndais are outpacing the numbers from 2022. We're told many times, the thieves are teenagers.

"Last week, actually, we had a vehicle stolen," said Capt. Shawn Strepay with Fayetteville police. "It was stolen by juveniles and operated by juveniles. They ran a red light at the intersection of Cliffdale and Reily roads and unfortunately struck another motorist."

Ann Legere wasn't aware that her 2017 Hyundai Accent is one that thieves are targeting.

"This is my baby," Legere said of her car. "When I first moved here about two years ago, I didn't have a car."

"I have bad circulation in my legs and I'm 68-years-old and I don't want to be taking the bus or Uber because that gets kind of expensive," Legere said. "But this is kinda like our lifeline."

Fayetteville police are asking anyone with information about these thefts, to get in touch with them. Fayetteville Police also have additional ways for Hyundai and Kia owners to protect their vehicles.