METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — Owning a Kia in New Orleans is a scary feeling for drivers, as they remain a high-profile target for criminals.
Kia is going from city to city to help people install new anti-theft software for free. Company leaders said it could keep criminals away from the cars.
“We know this area has been impacted strongly. We have been working with local law enforcement and one of the things they’ve said is if you can help out the local dealers. It could make a big impact. Let the thieves know we are on to this,” said Head of Corporate Communications James Bell.
Kia thefts began to rise following a viral TikTok challenge showing how easy it is to steal the vehicles. However, the new software will restrict the operation of a vehicle’s ignition system if someone tries to break in and start a locked vehicle without a key.
“It will run the alarm for an extended amount of time and also disable the ignition system. What we’ve learned is that anything that takes time into the thief’s process, they don’t like it. So, when that alarm goes off, they take off,” said Bell.
“Hopefully, this will cut down on some of that, this is a great setup,” said Kia vehicle owner CJ Mouton.
Mouton is optimistic the new software will keep his car in his driveway.
“I think it’s a great idea if it works the way they claim it will. Kias have been getting some bad PR on being able to get broken in and stolen these days,” said Mouton.
Bell says this is an issue they will continue to confront to protect their customer’s cars and their safety.
“We already have well over a million vehicles that have been upgraded. We are very proactive on this. Because this is a crime wave that was fueled by social media, we are hoping that social media will help push against it,” said Bell.
If you are unable to make it to the event this weekend at Shrine on Airline, you can head to a local Kia dealership and have it taken care of also, free of charge at any time.
They will be at Shrine on Airline at 6000 Airline Drive Metairie on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. No appointments are needed.
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