Introduction
Car thefts are a growing crisis in Milwaukee.
According to Milwaukee Police Department (MPD), vehicle thefts surged by 5% in 2024 compared to the previous year with a total of 4,447 vehicles stolen between January and September.
If you drive a Kia or Hyundai, there’s a high chance your car is a prime target. This is due to the absence of electronic immobilizers in certain models of these vehicles. This vulnerability was further publicized and exploited through a viral social media challenge.
As someone passionate about the auto industry, I know firsthand the frustration of having your vehicle stolen.
In this blog, I’ll break down which cars are most at risk, hottest theft zones in Milwaukee, and key steps you can take to protect your vehicle.
Which cars are most likely to be stolen and why?
According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report on the top 10 most stolen car models nationwide in 2022, Kia and Hyundai models were mostly represented in Wisconsin.
These car brands are likely to be stolen due to the lack of useful auto theft technology called electronic immobilizers. These immobilizers rely on a computer chip within the car and key to confirm that the key is authentic and belongs to the vehicle.
The widespread theft of Kia and Hyundais was further driven by a viral TikTok ‘Kia Challenge’ which originated from Milwaukee. These video posts showed a group of teenagers known as ‘Kia Boyz’ demonstrating how easy it is to hotwire certain Kia and Hyundai car models.
In 2022, YouTuber Tommy G. created a film titled “Kia Boys Documentary (A Story of Teenage Car Theft)” that explores the rise of the Milwaukee Kia Boyz.
They can steal a car in as little as 30 seconds by opening the steering column and inserting a USB cable in place of a key to start it.
Since 2000, theft insurance claims for Kias and Hyundais have risen over 1000% according to Highway Loss Data Institute. This prompted 17 US states to push for a major recall of millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. However, both automakers opted to provide free security software updates instead.
Which Milwaukee areas are your car likely to be stolen?
According to Milwaukee Police Maps and Statistics, a 9-block area between West State and West Wisconsin, North Sixth Street and the Milwaukee River is most prone to car theft.
Some other areas where more cars have been stolen include downtown and Milwaukee’s east side.
Top 10 most stolen cars in Milwaukee
Hyundai Elantra 2017
While the Hyundai Elantra topped the list of car models stolen, the 2017-year model was most common. The major weakness of this car model is its lack of ignition immobilizers.
An ignition immobilizer works with an electronic chip in your key and adds an extra layer of security when starting your car. If the electronic chip in your key doesn’t match what the immobilizer expects, the car won’t start. Over 697 cases of stolen Hyundai Elantra were reported.
Hyundai Sonata 2015
A major weakness of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is the lack of a standard immobilizer. Just like the Elantra, thieves can easily bypass the ignition system and start the car without a proper key, making it particularly vulnerable.
The Hyundai Sonata 2015 was the second most reported with about 495 cases.
Kia Sportage 2020
Kia vehicles also face the same issue as Hyundai. Their lack of auto immobilization technology makes them vulnerable to car theft.
The Sportage 2020 was the most mentioned model in the NICB report with 482 cases.
Kia Soul 2020
Kia Soul models are also easily stolen due to the absence of the immobilization technology.
In the NICB report, there were 383 cases of Soul 2020 models ranking it in 4th place on the list.
Kia Forte 2021
The Kia Forte 2021 is another common model that’s easy to steal due to the vehicle’s lack of an immobilizer system.
About 379 cases of stolen Forte 2021 vehicles were reported.
Kia Optima 2019
Kia Optima 2019 owners also fell victim to widespread theft due to a lack of an immobilizer system.
352 cases of this car model were reported.
Hyundai Tucson 2018
All Hyundai Tucson produced between 2011 and 2022 in the US did not have an immobilizer.
The 2018 model was the most stolen year model with about 312 cases reported.
Honda Civic 2000
The Honda Civic is a driver’s favorite in the US. But it is also very prone to theft.
According to the NICB report, the Honda Civic 2000 ranks among the most stolen cars with 224 cases reported.
Thieves use various methods to get into the Honda Civics without permission.
They launch signal amplification attacks by using devices to boost the signal from your key fob, gain access and start your car. Another method is to exploit physical security vulnerabilities such as breaking weak door locks or windows to gain access and hotwire the car.
Chevrolet Silverado Truck 2021
Chevrolet Silverado was the only truck featured in the list of most stolen cars. About 192 cases were reported with 2021 being the most common year model.
As the Chevy Silverado truck becomes more alluring to buyers, it also becomes a bigger target for potential car thieves. They can be stolen in minutes by using the car’s own technology against it.
Per NBC News, one theft victim claims that thieves were able to open the lock, hack the car’s safety system, disable OnStar, and steal the truck in three minutes. They do this by using electronic hacking tools to gain access.
Honda Accord 2016/2019
The Honda Accord’s enduring popularity makes it a prime target for thieves.
Thieves frequently targeted the 2016 and 2019 models because they lack the standard anti-theft technology that comes in more recent modern cars. It’s important to take extra cautions and use steering wheel locks, brake locks or other anti-theft devices.
About 189 Honda Accords were reported to be stolen.
How can I protect my car from theft?
To protect your car and reduce the chances of it being stolen, consider these safety tips as recommended by the NHTSA:
- Lock all windows and doors whenever you park, even if you just step out for a moment.
- Park in well-lit areas and avoid isolated locations.
- Take your vehicle key with you after parking and exiting your car.
- Do not leave valuables such as electronics, laptops, bags, or other valuables in sight inside your vehicle.
- Never leave your spare keys in obvious places.
- If you’re buying a used car or new one from the dealership, ensure you install anti-theft systems and tracking devices after purchase to make it easier to trace and recover.
Wisconsin Car Theft Laws You Should Know About
Like many other states, stealing a vehicle or driving it without the owner’s permission in Wisconsin is a crime.
Other related crimes like carjacking and joyriding are penalized based on the severity of the harm caused or for repeat offenders.
According to Wisconsin Statutes, vehicle theft occurs when a defendant intentionally takes, uses, transfers, or hides a vehicle without the owner’s consent and with the intent to deprive the owner of the car permanently.
Here’s a rundown of various applicable state laws and their punishments.
Vehicle Theft Penalties
In Wisconsin, car theft offenses are classified based on the value of the property stolen.
This law can be found in the Wisconsin Statutes sections 939.50, 939.51, 943.20 (2020).
| Vehicle’s Worth | Felony | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Over $100,000 | Class F | $25,000 fine, 12 years and six months in prison, OR both |
| Over $10,000 but less than $100,000 | Class G | $25,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both |
| Over $5,000 but less than $10,000 | Class H | $10,000 fine, up to 6 years in prison, or both |
| Over $2,500 but less than $5,000 | Class I | $10,000 fine, up to 3 years and 6 months in prison, or both |
| $2,500 or less | Class A | $10,000 fine, up to 9 months in jail, or both |
Car Parts Theft
Removing a major part of a car without the owner’s consent is a separate crime, according to section 943.23 (2020).
If the defendant steals the engine, transmission, bumper, or any major vehicle part with a minimum value of $500, the person is charged with a Class I felony. This offense is punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to 3.5 years in prison.
If the defendant steals a minor component, the person is charged with a Class A punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to 9 months in jail.
Joyriding (Operating a Vehicle Without Consent)
“Joyriding” describes the unauthorized use of someone’s car or the operation of a vehicle without the owner’s consent in Wisconsin.
A first-time joyriding offender who intentionally drives any vehicle without the consent of the owner is punished as either a Class H or Class I felony. This is punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to 3.5 – 6 years in prison. For repeat offenders, the defendant faces a $25,000 fine and 10 – 12.5 years in prison.
You should be aware that taking part in a joyride as a passenger is also an offense constituting a Class A misdemeanor.
Carjacking
Carjacking is when anyone uses force or threatens to use force when taking a vehicle. The offense is a Class E felony and is punishable by a $50,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.
If the defendant is armed with a dangerous weapon, it becomes a Class C felony punishable by $100,000 fine and up to 40 years jail time. This law is in accordance with Wis. Stat. § 943.23 (2020).
Entry Into a Locked Vehicle
Anyone who enters the interior of a locked vehicle with the intent to steal from it without the owner’s consent has committed a Class A misdemeanor.
According to section 943.11 (2020), this offense is punishable by a $10,000 fine and up to nine months in jail.
Failure to Return a Rental Car
It’s also a crime in Wisconsin to rent a car and fail to return it at the agreed time. For instance, if you borrow a Tesla and did not return within the specified timeframe, this offense is punished based on the value of the vehicle as mentioned above.
