Police warn of viral TikTok trend to steal Hyundai, Kia vehicles as 16-year-old is arrested in Shelton

A 16-year-old was arrested in Shelton early Tuesday morning after stealing a Hyundai, and it's apparently all part of a viral social media challenge to steal cars.

News 12 Staff

Aug 16, 2022, 9:55 AM

Updated 710 days ago

Share:

A 16-year-old was arrested in Shelton early Tuesday morning after stealing a Hyundai, and it's apparently all part of a viral social media challenge to steal cars.
"It involves just damaging the ignition and then it's clearly shown in the video of using a screwdriver and the USB to start up the vehicle of these two cars," said Shelton Police Lt. Robert Kozlowsky.
Kozlowsky says in the last three days, six Hyundai or Kia cars have been stolen.
"Most of the vehicles were locked, and they were smashing the windows of the vehicle, damaging the ignition, and then using the charger as shown in the TikTok video to steal the vehicle," he said.
Just after midnight, Shelton police arrived at Coram Avenue and Hill Street after a concerned citizen called police. A 16-year-old from Ansonia was arrested. He said he was following a trend on TikTok.
The TikTok videos show how to steal these cars in seconds, just by using a USB cable.
Both car manufacturers say they are working with law enforcement and making steering wheel locks available. Officials say people should try to park their cars in well-lit areas.
Police are encouraging all parents to talk to their kids about the dangerous social media trends.
"People see these videos and they think 'Hey, steal a car and go for a joy ride,' but there's a lot more impact. That's what needs to be relayed," said Kozlowsky.


More from News 12
2:05
Zillow report: 28 LI communities have million-dollar starter homes

Zillow report: 28 LI communities have million-dollar starter homes

1:14
Wonderful weekend ahead with shower chances early next week

Wonderful weekend ahead with shower chances early next week

0:25
Police: 5 officers injured while arresting man in West Hempstead

Police: 5 officers injured while arresting man in West Hempstead

1:22
Justin Timberlake to be arraigned again for DWI next week

Justin Timberlake to be arraigned again for DWI next week

2:01
Bay Shore Christian School parents left without answers as school owners move to shut down programs

Bay Shore Christian School parents left without answers as school owners move to shut down programs

2:04
Another huge turnout at the Feast of St. Rocco in Glen Cove

Another huge turnout at the Feast of St. Rocco in Glen Cove

1:58
LI program gets kids & parents ready to start school

LI program gets kids & parents ready to start school

1:28
Local Summer Olympics watch party happening in Copiague

Local Summer Olympics watch party happening in Copiague

2:02
Brooklyn man facing assault charges, accused of driving into pedestrians outside Eastern Suffolk BOCES

Brooklyn man facing assault charges, accused of driving into pedestrians outside Eastern Suffolk BOCES

0:18
Sen. Schumer announces $24 million in federal funding to revitalize downtown Riverhead

Sen. Schumer announces $24 million in federal funding to revitalize downtown Riverhead

0:36
Ceremony honors 24 students at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine

Ceremony honors 24 students at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

0:33
State report: Long Island has lowest percentage of bridges in poor condition

State report: Long Island has lowest percentage of bridges in poor condition

1:40
Food Truck Friday: The Cone Depot

Food Truck Friday: The Cone Depot

0:20
Suffolk police officers help woman deliver baby in Amityville

Suffolk police officers help woman deliver baby in Amityville

3:44
Deer Park teen blacklisted by bank after falling for a fake check scam

Deer Park teen blacklisted by bank after falling for a fake check scam

1:18
Farm owner: 2 goats, 3 sheep dead after toxic bushes were thrown into pen on East End

Farm owner: 2 goats, 3 sheep dead after toxic bushes were thrown into pen on East End

1:59
Police: Scammers falsely reporting damage on people's properties before damaging it further

Police: Scammers falsely reporting damage on people's properties before damaging it further

1:46
'It’s just treacherous.' Calls for change grow along busy Nassau road amid multiple crashes

'It’s just treacherous.' Calls for change grow along busy Nassau road amid multiple crashes

1:41
Teens learn skills needed to become firefighters at Camp Fahrenheit 516

Teens learn skills needed to become firefighters at Camp Fahrenheit 516