PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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SLCPD Warns Hyundai and Kia Owners to Be Aware of Recent Thefts, Attempted Thefts

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) is warning community members who drive Hyundai and Kia vehicles to be aware of recent thefts and attempted thefts.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, the SLCPD’s Crime Intel and Analysis Unit (CIAU) detected an increase in thefts and attempted thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, particularly in the Rose Park area.

Between November 23 and December 6, 2024, there have been 13 incidents of theft or attempted theft involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

There is limited suspect information.

The thefts or attempted thefts are mostly occurring overnight, between 4 and 7 a.m.

The suspect, or suspects, is/are smashing in windows, damaging steering columns and ignition, or stealing cars with the key fob left inside.

The specific addresses of the 13 incidents are not being released at this time, pending the ongoing investigation.

In July 2022, the SLCPD engaged in a multifaceted approach to reduce crime and disorder citywide.

Research points to three things needed for a crime to occur, (1) a motivated offender, (2) a victim/target and (3) a place where offenders and victim/targets interact.

Systematically removing one of these three elements through proactive police strategies prevents multiple crimes in the long term.

SLCPD crime analysts track and monitor crime trends. When a pattern is discovered – either a “micro-time hotspot” or “crime series” – SLCPD crime analysts will provide detectives, patrol officers, and professional and executive staff details about the pattern and known/possible offenders.

Depending on the area of the city and time of occurrence, each pattern will be assigned to a specific patrol Watch Commander who is responsible for ensuring officers are conducting directed patrols, field interviews, field research, and coordaining efforts in the impacted areas. Each pattern is also assigned a detective who is responsible for follow-up, contacting known offenders, and reviewing historical data to further the overall investigation.

The SLCPD is committed to using a police-led, community-wide response in reducing violence, arresting, and prosecuting offenders.

Community members are reminded to take proactive steps to prevent car thefts, including never leaving a vehicle running while unattended. While remote start features may immobilize a car, they do not guarantee crime prevention, as suspects can still cause significant damage breaking into the vehicle. The SLCPD is also aware that suspects increasingly possess the technology and skills to clone key fobs.

Community members should never leave their keys or key fobs inside a vehicle, even temporarily.

Anyone seeing suspicious activity should call 9-1-1.

The Salt Lake City Police Department has a dedicated unit focused exclusively on auto theft. The detectives assigned to the SLCPD Auto Theft Unit not only follow up on cases by handling all auto theft investigations, but they deploy into the field to track down known vehicle theft offenders who have warrants or to look for and recover stolen vehicles.

The SLCPD Auto Theft Unit periodically conducts multi-day operations, using various department resources and technology to assist in making arrests and recovering vehicles. These operations have an immediate and direct impact on other crimes being committed in Salt Lake City.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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