Increase in Kia, Hyundai thefts causes more problems

We've told you about the TikTok videos that led to a wave of stolen kias and hundays. Tonight, another theft involving a Kia. This time the thieves got away with more than just a car. W Ariel's Chelsea Donovan is live now to explain what was in the car that has the owner devastated. Chelsea. Yeah, Deborah, the ripple effects of this latest car theft in Raleigh can actually be felt rather behind these walls of dynamic opportunities. It's a school here in Raleigh.

Students inside rely on what was inside the trunk of one of those teachers car to flourish, boost their self esteem and express their feelings. You guys wanted to say anything? Possibly, but you go ahead. You're the star. Thanks. These puppets help 19 year old Max Keen shine. I'm proud puppeteer of these two guys. They are two of more than a dozen puppets that help Max and other students communicate who attend dynamic opportunities.

They do drama through puppets. Some of them express their feelings through puppets. But the majority of the puppets Laura Gabriella uses to help these uniquely abled kids were stolen. Some of these kids. These are their only friends that they have. Monday morning, Gabrielle's 2020 Kia was stolen right from her house on Green Night Drive in Raleigh. She believes it was snatched like so many others as part of a TikTok challenge that circulating.

Many Kia and Hyundai models are not equipped with anti theft immobilizers. So you can often swipe the car just using a USB cable. I felt like violated from 2018 to last year, car thefts in Raleigh rose 53%. That far outpaces the population growth of the city. But for Gabrielle, it's not about her car, but the treasured possessions that were inside. I was just devastated. I came up with an idea like train them how to do puppet show.

So they are gonna do it for cash. This is Darnell. Hi, and this is wugaboo. Hello. Nice to meet you for Max and others. These felted friends help him feel heard, seen and valued. Booked to birth to birthday parties.

Actually, if they could bring it back, it would mean the world. We certainly hope they're found now. Raleigh police haven't yet linked this latest car theft to the TikTok challenge. We should mention, though, that you can visit our app, WRL dot com to look for specific models of Hyundai's and Kia's that are eligible for those software upgrades. Just search recalls. Deborah, so much more than just a car. Chelsea Donovan live in Raleigh.

Thank you, Chelsea.

Hyundai, Kia, TikTok, car theft