WORCESTER, Mass. - Police are warning of a car theft social media trend targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles called the "TikTok Kia challenge."

The Worcester Police Department is warning owners of Hyundais and Kias about a recent increase in thefts having to do with social media videos showing how to take advantage of a security vulnerability in those makes of cars.

According to Worcester police, since Nov. 1, 24 Hyundais and 12 Kias have been reported stolen citywide. WPD reported two hotspots around Chandler Street and Austin Street, as well as the downtown area of Front Street and Commercial Street.

Police said it appears Hyundai Elantras are the most targeted, accounting for 34% of those thefts, and advise owners of Hyundais and Kias to talk to their car dealers.

"If you own one of them and check with your dealer and see if you are one of the models in question," Lt. Sean Murtha said. "There are certain things that dealers can do to those models. But apparently the thieves are exchanging tips on TikTok as to how to break into these cars that do have this security vulnerability. So, we're advising people who own these cars, again, talk to a dealer, but also take some of the precautions just to make it less likely that you're victimized."

Derek Ramstrom at Ramstrom's Service Center said the security vulnerability is due to certain Hyundais and Kias lacking an anti-theft measure called an "immobilizer." Ramstrom said vehicles with push-to-start buttons aren't as easy to steal.

"On the newer Hyundais and Kias with the standard key, you know, the one that you push in the ignition and turn, people have figured out a way to use a USB cable to, basically they remove part of the steering column and essentially it's still the car just with a USB cable," Ramstrom said. "It's a shame that people are just utilizing that and making it, you know, famous per se, and just trying to get views and wrecking people's days and stealing their cars. It's awful."

The "Kia challenge" videos have been seen on TikTok since 2021 across the country.

Worcester police recommend precautions like keeping your car locked, parking in well-lit areas, using a steering wheel lock-club or installing a kill switch, and using a GPS tracking device on your vehicle.