Police Investigate Multiple Vehicles Reported Stolen Overnight

Published on July 23, 2024

Date: July 23, 2024
Incident Type: Stolen vehicles
Location: Multiple zones
Summary:

Pittsburgh Police are currently investigating at least ten vehicles that were reported stolen from neighborhoods throughout the city overnight.

The suspects are believed to be juveniles who are targeting specific Kia and Hyundai vehicles that are prone to theft due to a security vulnerability in certain models.

Officers observed at least four of the vehicles driving erratically at dangerously high speeds on the North Side. Two of them were found crashed and abandoned at Eckert St. and Shadeland Ave. The suspects fled on foot.

All but one of the ten reported thefts overnight was either a Kia or a Hyundai vehicle. Detectives are currently in the process of recovering the vehicles and are actively investigating all of these cases, including reviewing all available video and other evidence in an effort to develop possible suspects.

There are no arrests at this time.

In the meantime, Pittsburgh Police offer the following tips to help prevent vehicle theft:

  • Never leave a vehicle running and unlocked, even to run a quick errand
  • Always ensure all vehicle doors are locked and windows closed. Most thieves take the path of least resistance, going from car to car looking for unlocked doors at night
  • Kia and Hyundai owners should take advantage of the manufacturer's recall and security updates and/or use a club lock to immobilize the steering wheel
  • Invest in technology such as Apple Air Tags, inexpensive GPS trackers that connect to cell phone apps, or utilize individual vehicle manufacturers' security and tracking technology when possible
  • Install outdoor security camera systems trained toward where the vehicle is parked
  • Bluetooth enabled dashboard cameras can be useful tools to help catch car thieves
  • If Kia or Hyundai models must be parked in a driveway, police advise blocking them in with another vehicle when possible
  • Never leave firearms inside a vehicle under any circumstance

As always, please report anything suspicious to the police by calling 9-1-1.

Reporting PIO: Cara Cruz

2024-07-23
PIO@pittsburghpa.gov

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