Glendale police say two juveniles arrested in August were connected to at least 11 thefts involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles, a case disclosed publicly Thursday that also renewed warnings about older models vulnerable to a theft method spread through social media.
The thefts occurred between Aug. 4 and Aug. 12, primarily around 67th Avenue and Maryland Avenue, according to police-report details published Sept. 10 by Arizona’s Family and a separate FOX 10 report based on information from Glendale police.
The juveniles have been accused of vehicle theft and related offenses. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and no conviction should be inferred from an arrest or charge.
How the Glendale investigation developed
Detectives began investigating in July after noticing an increase in thefts involving the two manufacturers, Arizona’s Family reported. Police also received information from a parent concerned that his child had been leaving home and participating in vehicle thefts.
On Aug. 4, officers found a stolen Kia abandoned near 67th Avenue and Rose Lane after callers reported erratic driving. Police recovered two additional stolen Kias in the area after another report the following day.
Officers responded again Aug. 12 to a report of an erratically driven Kia. Police said two juveniles ran through the neighborhood and were found hiding under an RV trailer with help from a department drone.
Detectives later linked the pair to at least 11 thefts during the nine-day period. Police recovered multiple vehicles, including a Kia and a Hyundai that had not yet been reported stolen. Investigators said additional charges remained possible as they reviewed evidence.
Which vehicles have been targeted
The national theft problem has centered on some older, key-start Kia and Hyundai vehicles built without an engine immobilizer. Push-button-start models use different security equipment and were not the focus of the method described in the Glendale case.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in 2023 that Hyundai and Kia had developed free software updates for millions of affected vehicles after theft techniques circulated online. Eligibility varies by model, model year and vehicle configuration, so owners should check their individual vehicle identification number rather than assume every car from either brand is affected.
Free upgrade and eligibility checks
Hyundai owners can enter their VIN in the company’s recall and service-campaign lookup. Hyundai says a free anti-theft software upgrade applies to certain 2011-2022 vehicles without immobilizers. Some vehicles may also qualify for a free ignition-cylinder protector.
Kia maintains a separate anti-theft eligibility portal where owners can enter a VIN or contact Kia customer care. Owners can find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard, the driver-side door jamb, an insurance card or the vehicle title.
Glendale police and automotive safety guidance also recommend ordinary layers of protection: lock the vehicle, remove keys and valuables, park in a well-lit area when possible and consider a visible steering-wheel lock or properly concealed tracking device. Suspected thefts or suspicious activity should be reported to police rather than confronted directly.
Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration of vehicle-theft prevention. It does not depict the suspects, stolen vehicles or an actual Glendale location.
