Two boys aged 12 and 13 have been accused of stealing at least 11 Kia and Hyundai cars during a two-month spree in Glendale, Arizona, after police were alerted by neighbours and one boy’s father.
The thefts took place around 67th Avenue and Maryland between July and August, according to the Glendale Police Department. Officers said the boys were too young to drive legally and targeted models that can be vulnerable to a method of theft widely shared online.
Police received their first report in July after residents noticed two juveniles driving a Kia Optima that appeared to be malfunctioning. Officers later established that the car had been reported stolen and began tracking a series of similar thefts in the area.
Investigators said a tip from the father of one of the boys helped them build the case. Glendale police then used drone surveillance and allegedly caught the pair in the act, wearing hooded tops and gloves.
Officer Joseph Merced said the information from the family was particularly valuable to the investigation. Police have released images connected with the alleged thefts, but the boys have not been publicly identified.
The cars were allegedly targeted because some older Kia and Hyundai models lack an engine immobiliser, a security device designed to prevent an engine starting without the correct key. Hyundai has said its vehicles produced from November 2021 onwards have immobilisers fitted as standard. ([fox10phoenix.com](https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/boys-linked-string-hyundai-kia-thefts-glendale-pd))
Hyundai anti-theft measures
Hyundai continues to offer eligible owners a free anti-theft software upgrade through its dealerships. The company says the installation normally takes less than 30 minutes, while some vehicles can also qualify for an ignition-cylinder protector. ([owners.hyundaiusa.com](https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/resources/technology-and-navigation/anti-theft-software-upgrade?utm_source=openai))
The manufacturer says the affected vehicles are generally older models with conventional key-operated ignitions. Owners can check their vehicle identification number to establish whether it qualifies for the upgrade or another security measure. ([hyundaiantitheft.com](https://hyundaiantitheft.com/?utm_source=openai))
Erik Seweingyawa, a master mechanic at Gemba Automotive in Phoenix, said thieves exploit weaknesses around the ignition and use improvised equipment to start some vehicles.
He advised motorists to keep their cars’ software updated and consider additional protection, including cameras and tracking devices. Any tracker, he said, should be concealed in a place known only to the owner.
