Protecting your car from criminals

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — In light of the recent lawsuit filed by the City of Lexington against Hyundai and Kia, here are some reminders on how to protect cars from criminals.

“Number one: do not leave your car running with the key in it,” Lori-Weaver Hawkins said.

Hawkins with AAA says while some of these tips might seem like common sense, it makes all the difference in whether thieves choose to steal your car.

“Another tip is to turn your wheels so they’re at an angle – either direction – and then also apply your parking brake. That can help deter criminals that will tow a vehicle away to steal it,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins says she sees a lot of thefts coming from social media trends, adding that these trends could be the reason why Hyundais and Kias are the most targeted cars.

“Right now, we’re seeing over a million vehicles still being stolen across the country, over 10,000 in Kentucky every year,” she said. “Even here in Lexington, we’ve been looking at around 1,300 a year.”

Out of those 1,300 officials say 40% are either Kias or Hyundais.

The mayor announcing a lawsuit against those car manufacturers, saying they lack anti-theft technology, causing communities to clean up the mess of these criminals.

“Vehicle theft is an 8-billion-dollar cost,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins recommends parking in well-lit areas, keeping your key fob away from your front door, locking your car when you’re out and about, and investing in anti-theft technology to avoid the cost of a stolen car.