US police warn of TikTok challenge to steal cars using USB cable

Thieves are using USB cables and similar items to hot wire cars, turning them on without the ignition key. — Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

Last Friday, an undercover Houston Police Department officer found a stolen Hyundai with a USB cord jammed into its ignition.

Police say there has been a rise in thefts of certain models of Kia and Hyundai cars in Houston, matching a stolen car TikTok trend. Sgt. Tracy Hicks with Houston Police Auto Theft Crimes Task Force said depending on the vehicle, a customer could prevent the problem with a software upgrade or a steering wheel lock.