Teens Arrested for Attempted Kia Thefts in North Salt Lake, Possibly Linked to TikTok Challenge

Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a series of recent thefts involving Kia vehicles in the North Salt Lake area. The arrests come after a string of incidents, where several cars had their windows smashed or ignitions damaged in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicles.

The Investigation: A String of Kia Thefts

Earlier this month, North Salt Lake police issued a public warning about a series of thefts and attempted thefts in the Foxboro neighborhood, particularly near Foxboro Drive. At least 10 Kia vehicles had their windows smashed, and the ignition systems were damaged, leading investigators to believe the suspects were attempting to steal the cars. Additionally, an 11th Kia was successfully stolen, but it was later found abandoned about an hour away in Salt Lake City, with no items missing from the vehicle.

North Salt Lake Deputy Police Chief Mitch Gwilliam confirmed that police believe the motive behind the thefts was likely joyriding, as nothing was stolen from the vehicles. The authorities had ramped up patrols in the area, gathering surveillance footage and putting their investigative resources to work, leading to the identification of the suspects.

Teenagers Arrested After Targeted Police Efforts

On February 13, after several nights of heightened patrols and gathering video evidence, North Salt Lake police arrested four teenagers, all between the ages of 15 and 17, in connection with the thefts. The suspects, who are from the Greater Salt Lake area, were taken into custody and booked into juvenile detention. They face serious consequences for their actions.

In addition to their attempts to steal the cars, one vehicle was stolen but later abandoned in Salt Lake City. However, police believe the motive behind the thefts was not for profit, as nothing was taken from inside the cars, and the vehicles were likely used for joyriding.

Possible Connection to TikTok Challenge

As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring whether the recent incidents are tied to a viral social media challenge. Deputy Chief Gwilliam mentioned that investigators are looking into whether the recent thefts are connected to a TikTok challenge that surfaced in 2021. This challenge encouraged teens to steal Kias and Hyundais made between certain years using basic tools like a USB cord to hotwire the vehicles. According to police, the challenge resulted in a surge of car thefts, particularly targeting Kias from 2011-2021 and Hyundais from 2015-2021, as they have key ignition systems rather than fob-based start systems.

The police department in Salt Lake City had issued a similar warning in December, as the challenge seemed to re-emerge. Between November 23 and December 10, 2024, a total of 18 Kia and Hyundai thefts were reported, along with 7 attempted thefts. The teens arrested in North Salt Lake may be connected to these thefts as well, and investigators are continuing to look into potential links.

Community Reaction and Police Warnings

Residents of the neighborhood were shocked by the incidents, with one local, Benjamin Earl, expressing his surprise and concern that such crimes were occurring in his neighborhood. Earl’s comments reflect the broader concern in the community about the growing trend of vehicle thefts, particularly those connected to social media challenges.

Police are taking a firm stance, warning other teens and individuals who may be considering similar actions that there are serious consequences to such behavior. “There’s no good that comes from this, victimizing other people, and the potential of finding yourself being arrested,” Deputy Chief Gwilliam stated, stressing the legal ramifications of participating in such crimes.

Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation

The arrests made in North Salt Lake are seen as a significant step in curbing this trend of vehicle thefts and attempted thefts. The investigation is still ongoing, as police work to determine if the arrested teens are connected to a broader network of car thefts in the Salt Lake area. Authorities are continuing to review surveillance footage, and additional arrests may be made as the case develops.

Consequences for Teenagers Involved in Theft

The arrested teens now face serious legal consequences, including charges of theft, attempted theft, and damage to property. Juvenile detention for such offenses can lead to long-lasting impacts on their future, and the police are using this as an example to deter others from participating in similar illegal activities.

Local authorities are also working with schools and community groups to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of engaging in criminal behavior, especially as social media challenges like this one can glamorize illegal actions.

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