The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) are actively investigating three reports of vehicle thefts. All three reports were made on Monday, May 1. These thefts occurred at 150 Stadium Place, 614 South Crouse Avenue and 919 East Genesee Street.
We believe these thefts are consistent with a nationwide trend of thieves targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles due to a design flaw that allows these cars to be started without a key. Thieves use a USB cord and a screwdriver to exploit a glitch and jump start the vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia have launched a free service campaign to address this issue. Please review this NHTSA press release for additional information if you own one of these makes.
We ask our community members, particularly those living in off-campus neighborhoods, to remain alert for suspicious activity. Thieves are looking for unlocked car doors and open windows as a mean to gain access to vehicles. So please, make sure your vehicle is locked and always secured.
The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) will be leading these investigations, with the support of DPS officers. Please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224 if you have any information regarding these recent car thefts. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.
This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.