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Police chief warns of recent uptick in Hyundai, Kia thefts; urges residents to lock vehicles
Summary
Police Chief Allison Elliott said Springfield has seen an increase in stolen vehicles, naming Kias and Hyundais specifically, and advised residents to keep vehicles locked, use remote-start systems that keep cars locked and report suspicious activity to Springfield PD.
Police Chief Allison Elliott told the city’s "Chief Chat" broadcast that Springfield has seen an increase in stolen vehicles and urged residents to take precautions to reduce opportunity theft.
"We have seen an increase here recently of stolen vehicles, specifically with the Kias and Hyundais," Elliott said. She recommended keeping vehicles locked and not leaving keys or key fobs unattended in vehicles. She noted that remote-start systems that allow a vehicle to warm while remaining locked are preferable to leaving a car unlocked with keys inside.
Elliott urged residents to be mindful of where they park and to report suspicious activity to Springfield Police. The chiefs also recommended neighbors watch for unusual nighttime activity and contact the police if they see people milling around vehicles.
The police chief did not provide numerical counts or specific crime statistics during the broadcast; those figures were "not specified" in the session.
