After a recent increase in car thefts, Columbus Attorney, Zach Klein, announced his plans to file a lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai. This is due to the car companies’ failure to provide anti-theft technology in the vehicles. 

   Over the past year, Columbus has seen a 450 percent increase in car thefts in Kia and Hyundai models. They averaged 17 thefts per day over the past year, according to Zach Klein’s attorney’s office. Two-thirds of all theft attempts in the city have been Kia and Hyundai, according to ABC 6. 

   The “Kia Boyz”, is a group that steals and targets Kia and Hyundai using a screwdriver and USB charger, according to ABC 6. They post videos on social media where they steal cars and teach others how to do the same, which causes the rise in car thefts.

   Klein wants to hold the company accountable for their actions and for the lack of repair and recall in the vehicles to help secure them. 

   “For years, Kia and Hyundai cut corners and sold vehicles they knew were so unsafe they could be stolen with ease by a teenager with access to simple tools and a TikTok account,” Klein said. “Kia and Hyundai’s negligence in pursuit of corporate profit is unconscionable. It’s time we held these automakers accountable for cheating consumers and passing the buck and responsibility to clean up the mess they made onto the rest of us.”

   According to ABC 6, a special counsel for the city in the case needs to be hired, but the Columbus city council needs to approve a contract. Once the contract is approved Klein plans to file the lawsuit on behalf of the city. 

   Until the car thefts are under control, it is advised that those who own a Kia or Hyundai buy a steering wheel lock, lock their car and make sure the alarm is on.