LEXINGTON, Ky. — After a viral social media challenge known as the "Kia Boyz" led to a spark in car thefts involving two major manufacturers, Lexington has joined several cities across the U.S. in taking legal action.

What You Need To Know

  • A viral social media challenge known as the “Kia Boyz” has led to a rise in car thefts around the U.S. over the last several months

  • Cities, including Lexington, have taken legal action against automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia

  • The lawsuit cited a “lack of safety and preventative measures" 

  • The city reported Hyundais and Kias were almost 40% of vehicles stolen this past winter and spring 

Jorge Servin opens up family-owned business Southside Auto Repair every weekday, located in the center of the city's Southland neighborhood.

He said in his six months with the company, he and his staff have received a significant amount of service calls for Kia and Hyundai users with "push-to-start" cars. Each needed solutions for engine immobilizers, the equipment that would protect their cars. 

“Everyone's getting four to five calls a month," Servin said. "That's where the issue kind of grows.” 

It’s an issue of car theft. Lexington, like several cities including Louisville, has filed suit against Hyundai and Kia. The lawsuit cites a "lack of safety and preventative measures.”

The city reported Hyundais and Kias were almost 40% of vehicles stolen in the last several months.

Lexington Police Department Lt. Marcus Sell said this is a concerning issue among young people. 

“Our typical car thieves are usually juveniles or young adults," he said. "They'll generally walk through a neighborhood checking for unlocked car doors, and when they find the unlocked car doors, they'll get in and take anything they find valuable: laptops or purses, firearms left behind in the vehicles or even sometimes keys.”

If a car is stolen, detectives enter a report into national databases for law enforcement around the country to be alerted.

"These cases consume our law enforcement and emergency resources," said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton. "Car theft goes hand in hand with reckless driving, which, in turn, results in injuries and even death." 

Police said car theft and burglaries often leave feelings of helplessness and people should take precautions. Servin said it offers support to the whole community, in addition to vehicle owners. 

“They're more than welcome to go to the dealerships," Servin said. "Dealerships aren't issuing a recall because there's technically nothing wrong with the vehicle. A vehicle starts and stops properly. The issue lies in all the honesty of people.” 

The Lexington Police Department said it urges drivers to stay safe by locking their doors, closing their car windows thoroughly, removing personal belongings and parking in well-lit and frequently traveled spots. 

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