LAKEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) — Lakewood’s Brad Crihfield is trying to come to terms with what happened outside his home last Monday.
“It’s confusing to think that that can just happen, and it happened so causally that you don’t really turn your head and really notice,” he said.
The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. His home security camera caught a man breaking down the door of his 2012 Hyundai Tucson and getting inside.
“So he got in within 30 seconds and then drove right off because the ring (video) is also picking up my wife, who walks past the now-empty driveway within three minutes of the act,” Crihfield said.
He doesn’t know why he was targeted, but authorities across the country are investigating an increase in Hyundai and Kia car thefts.
They warn car owners about a new TikTok challenge that encourages people to break into these cars.
The videos are designed to teach them how to start the car with a USB cable.
“The scary part is that, as far as I can tell, this started with a TikTok challenge that shows the power of influence social media can have, especially on young people,” Crihfield said.
In a statement, a Hyundai spokesman said:
Hyundai Motor America is concerned about the rise in local car theft. The safety and well-being of our customers and community is and will remain our top priority. These vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards and immobilizers are standard on all new Hyundai vehicles.
James Bell, a Kia spokesman, said vehicles that are turned on with a steel key will be targeted.
“Kia America is aware of the increase in vehicle theft across a subset of trim levels. All 2022 models and trim levels will have an immobilizer applied either at the beginning of the year or as an ongoing change. All Kia vehicles for sale in the United States meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,” Bell said.
Crihfield doesn’t hope to get his car back any time soon.
He just hopes nobody else falls victim to this alleged TikTok challenge.
“The sad part is explaining to your kids, I have a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old, explaining to them where dad’s car is,” he said.
Additionally, Crihfield said his car was replaceable and that he was just glad no one was hurt in the incident.
He said he filed a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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