Car thieves have increasingly targeted auto dealership lots and inventories using a wide array of methods- with the NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) reporting a significant increase in thefts in 2023 when compared to 2022. Access to data solidifies what many in the industry have already seen- a glance at local news sites from across the US and Canada reveal alarming trends in vehicle thefts. In this Arrest of the Month video, proactive live video monitoring helps stop a theft in progress- and quickly.
Just after midnight, Stealth security professionals were alerted to suspicious activity onsite at an automotive dealership property in Maryland. Three intruders were visible on surveillance and appeared to be snooping around inventory vehicles. Local police were immediately contacted and dispatched to the site, arriving in time to catch the trio attempting to steal a Dodge Charger. Officers were seen patrolling the area, and all three suspects were taken into custody.
The recent rise in thefts from auto dealerships, particularly involving groups of teens and Kia and Hyundai vehicles, has been a significant issue in states like Maryland, and across the nation. A trend, propelled by social media platforms such as TikTok, has exposed vulnerabilities in certain models of these cars, making them easy targets for theft. Demonstrations on how to start these vehicles without a key, utilizing simple tools like USB cables, have contributed to the surge in thefts.
In response to the escalating situation, the City of Baltimore took legal action against the car manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia. Following the lead of cities like St. Louis and Seattle, the Baltimore lawsuit accuses the companies of cost-cutting measures that compromised vehicle security, contributing to the theft epidemic. According to Baltimore Police, car thefts in the city have increased by 95% this year alone, with Hyundai and Kia vehicles constituting 41% of these incidents. Since the start of the year, 577 vehicles from these brands have been reported stolen.
The city’s action is part of a broader demand for accountability and enhanced vehicle security measures. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, along with attorneys general from nearly two dozen states, has urged Kia and Hyundai to address the crisis of car thefts proactively. In a move to mitigate the situation, Kia and Hyundai announced initiatives earlier this year aimed at preventing thefts, including distributing tens of thousands of anti-theft steering wheel locks, and implementing security software upgrades for affected vehicles.
Baltimore’s efforts to combat auto thefts reflect a broader challenge facing cities nationwide, as they grapple with the implications of technology on public safety and the responsibilities of corporations in ensuring their products do not endanger communities. But despite these efforts, the “hackable” Kias and Hyundais are not the only targets steadily drawing in criminal elements to auto dealers across North America.
In a story recently published out of Tennessee, investigators suspect multiple auto dealership burglaries in both Tennessee and Alabama are related, where surveillance video captured three suspects breaking into dealership offices and stealing dealer license plates, as well as stealing a 2024 Z06 Corvette worth $150,000, a 2024 GMC Sierra Denali and a 2022 Yukon AT4, ultimately making off with over $300,000 in stolen vehicles.
In yet another devastating loss for a Wisconsin dealership, a coordinated heist committed by several individuals included using a Land Rover Velar as a battering ram to smash through a garage door, and the group escaped with several luxury vehicles valued at nearly $600,000. Meanwhile, in the Metro Detroit area, several dealerships were targeted with thieves escaping with multiple high-value vehicles at a time. In Canada, recent data showed that between 2021-2023 auto theft trends increased sharply in Ontario (up 48.2%), Quebec (up 57.9%), Atlantic Canada (up 34%), and in Western Canada (up 5.5%).
Safeguarding Your Automotive Dealership with Innovative Security Solutions
In the automotive dealership industry, protecting inventory and assets is of paramount importance. However, striking the right balance between comprehensive security measures and cost-effectiveness can be a daunting challenge. Traditional surveillance systems merely document crimes after they have occurred, while on-site guards offer limited coverage at a premium price point. Fortunately, there is a smarter and more proactive approach to securing your property and safeguarding your bottom line.
Forward-thinking dealerships are turning to Stealth for cutting-edge, proactive monitoring solutions. Our remote video monitoring system combines state-of-the-art digital cameras with oversight by highly trained security specialists. Leveraging advanced analytics, we can identify and respond to potential threats in real-time, often before significant damage occurs. With alarm triggers, coordinated response protocols, and faster law enforcement notifications and responses, we have the tools and expertise to help counter criminal activities as they unfold across your property.
Additionally, our customized layouts are tailored to the specific needs of your dealership, ensuring that key areas and potential hotspots are under constant observation, even when you’re not physically present.
Rest assured, your inventory, assets, and staff are shielded by the unwavering vigilance of our security professionals. With Stealth’s proactive surveillance solutions, you can sleep better at night, knowing that your dealership is more effectively protected from vulnerabilities.
To learn how Stealth can enhance safety while yielding up to 60% savings compared to the cost of traditional security methods, contact us today.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
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Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
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