Boys, 12 and 13, Accused of Stealing 11 Cars by Targeting Certain Kia and Hyundai ModelsFirst for AutosWhitney DanhauerFri, September 25, 2026 at 4:11 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleKIATwo young boys accused of stealing nearly a dozen cars in Arizona knew exactly which vehicles they wanted to target.According to a report from Fox 10 Phoenix published on September 10, police in Glendale, Arizona, said two boys, ages 12 and 13, were connected to the thefts of 11 Kia and Hyundai vehicles in August.However, they didn't choose the cars at random.According to police, they specifically targeted the Kia and Hyundai models that use a traditional key ignition instead of a push-button start.YouTube/FOX 10 Phoenix; Glendale Police DepartmentErik Seweingyawa, a master mechanic at Gemba Automotive in Phoenix, explained how thieves often steal these vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisement"They take the wires, make something makeshift, make sure a USB can plug into it," Seweingyawa said.Certain older Kia and Hyundai vehicles were sold without an electronic engine immobilizer, which is a device that's designed to prevent a car from starting unless it recognizes the correct key.HyundaiHyundai released a statement to Fox 10 and said they continue "to offer free anti-theft software upgrades for eligible vehicles at Hyundai dealerships" and that the installation process can be completed in less than 30 minutes."All Hyundai vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment," the statement continued. "For certain earlier vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers, Hyundai has taken comprehensive steps to help protect customers and address the method of theft popularized on social media. These efforts include the free anti-theft software upgrades mentioned above and ignition cylinder protectors."AdvertisementAdvertisementThe company concluded by adding that they "will continue to take meaningful action to support our customers."Read More From First For AutosTwo Major American Car Brands Just Suffered the Biggest Drop in Customer SatisfactionNASCAR Star Ryan Blaney Admits Carson Hocevar Got the Better of Him in Wild FightHonda CR-V Driver Goes in for Oil Change, Mechanic Says Dealership Tried to Sell Him a Fake RepairThis story Boys, 12 and 13, Accused of Stealing 11 Cars by Targeting Certain Kia and Hyundai Models first appeared on First For Autos. Follow First For Autos on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.