Surge in Auto Thefts Across Council on Criminal Justice US Cities in 2023, Fueled by TikTok Challenge
A recent crime report from the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) reveals a significant spike in auto thefts in numerous U.S. cities during the first half of 2023. The “Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Mid-Year 2023 Update,” released on July 20, examines monthly crime rates in 37 American cities, covering 10 offenses, including violent, property, and drug-related crimes.
Council on Criminal Justice
While not all cities provided data for each offense, the report underscores the changing crime patterns in the U.S. since 2020. The Council on Criminal Justice specifically highlights motor vehicle theft as a “keystone crime,” facilitating other criminal activities.
Out of the 32 cities providing crime data, seven experienced a surge in auto theft rates, witnessing a 100 percent or higher increase compared to the previous year. The average monthly rate of motor vehicle thefts showed cyclical patterns from January 2018 to March 2020 but exhibited a dramatic increase from the summer of 2022.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, there were 86.6 car thefts per 100,000 people from January 2018 to June 2023. The data reveals a 33.5 percent increase in motor vehicle thefts during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
One notable factor contributing to this surge is a TikTok challenge that encourages and demonstrates car theft, particularly targeting Kia and Hyundai models. The social media challenge provides instructions on breaking into the vehicles, removing part of the steering wheel column, and starting the car with a USB cable. While TikTok disapproves of such behavior, thefts of these models have risen across the country.
In response, Hyundai and Kia released new anti-theft software for 8.3 million vehicles in the U.S. in February. However, the challenge has fueled a surge in auto thefts, prompting legal action against the manufacturers in some jurisdictions.
The CCJ report indicates that nonviolent crimes, including auto thefts, are on the rise, while most violent offenses are trending downward. The study authors emphasize the need for law enforcement, policymakers, and communities to employ research-backed crime prevention tools to address evolving crime patterns.
As the CCJ continues to examine crime trends through the end of 2023, a comprehensive understanding of post-pandemic crime patterns will emerge.
