In 2024, there was a slight increase in the number of stolen cars reported to the Fort Worth Police Department, data shows.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Car thefts are up in Fort Worth, according to new data released from the Fort Worth Police Department.
The number of cars stolen between May 1 and Oct 31 increased by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023, according to a report presented to the Fort Worth Mayor and City Council. In 2024, there were 2837 reported auto thefts compared to 2725 for the same time in the previous year, the report says.
Chevrolet was the most commonly stolen make during that period, however Kia and Hyundai cars were the second and third most stolen vehicles, according to data from the city.
Over the past several years, Kia and Hyundai models from 2011-2022 have been targeted by thieves because they lack an immobilizer, an anti-theft device that prevents the vehicle’s engine from starting unless the correct key fob is used, according to the report.
The targeting worsened after users on social media platforms like TikTok popularized the “Kia Boyz” trend, police said.
Kia and Hyundai have since developed theft deterrent software to address this issue, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.
Areas of southeast and south Fort Worth saw the highest number of car thefts in 2024, according to the report.
The police department took several steps to stem the number of thefts, including teaming up with Moritz Kia of Fort Worth on May 18, 2024, to address the immobilizer issue for 64 vehicles, according to the report. The dealership also handed out several club wheel locks.
“We maintain a strong collaboration with the Tarrant County Auto Theft Task Force, as well as neighboring law enforcement agencies, to effectively target auto theft suspects,” the report states.
Fort Worth Police Patrol Division has also used bait vehicles, crime bulletins and surveillance to try and decrease the number of car thefts, officials said.
Car owners can also take steps to deter theft, including parking in well-lit areas, locking their cars, securing their keys, using steering wheel locks and installing alarms in their vehicles, police said.