El Paso Car Thefts On The Rise Thanks To Social Media Challenge

Car thefts are on the rise in El Paso and the thieves aren't taking the cars you think they're after.

The El Paso Police Department is warning El Paso drivers to be extra cautious with their vehicles and saying that particular vehicles are especially in danger of being stolen.

Don't worry F-150 owners ... while your truck is still VERY popular with thieves, those drawn in by this social media challenge aren't interested in you.

A "challenge" has been making the rounds on social media that encourages crooks, mostly teenagers, to steal vehicles that most car thieves avoid. We're not talking Corvettes, Mustangs, Pickups, etc here ... these jerks are after Kia's and Hyundai's

The social media trend consists of a video that shows people how "easy" it is to steal a Kia or Hyundai vehicle. The "Kia Boys" challenge was posted about four years ago and El Paso Police said the trend made its way to El Paso in 2023. - KFOX

Steven Plummer with the EPPD Auto Theft Task Force told KFOX: "This year it has just completely blossomed and it's an issue we are having to address and people who have teenagers in their house to be cognizant of what their kids are doing".

Car thefts are up 52% in El Paso in 2023. A statistic that has left some El Pasoans unable to get car insurance for their now "high risk" vehicle.

Owners of Kia's and Hyundai's can help lessen the odds of their car being stolen with a steering wheel lock, available for free at all El Paso EPPD regional command offices.