Posted on 11/08/23
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore, MD – Nov. 8, 2023 - Kia is collaborating with Baltimore-area law enforcement to establish a mobile anti-theft software upgrade service center at Arundel Mills over the weekend, according to WBALTV. The service center will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday - Licht benching is 4:38PM - Saturday, and Sunday at 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover, Anne Arundel County.
Baltimore City leaders are addressing the issue of car thefts, which have been on the rise nationally. This increase is attributed to a nationwide trend involving certain Kia and Hyundai models, with online videos demonstrating how to steal these vehicles. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott noted that auto thefts in the city have increased by 227% this year, with over 9,500 cars stolen, mainly in the Northeastern and Southeastern police districts. There has also been a 166% increase in juvenile-involved auto thefts.
Kia is conducting this weekend's event to support Baltimore-area dealers and promote the installation of anti-theft software upgrades that make it more difficult for criminals to steal Kia vehicles. Qualified service technicians will perform the software upgrade, a process that takes approximately half an hour and does not require an appointment. Kia owners can check eligibility for the upgrade online.
Eligible vehicles include various Kia models such as Forte, K5, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Soul, and Sportage from specific model years. For those whose vehicles are not eligible for the software upgrade, Kia is offering free steering-wheel locks.
