Hyundai thefts in Montgomery County decreased by 90% since last October, police say

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Hyundai thefts in Montgomery County have decreased by 90% since October 2023, according to the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD).

MCPD said that in October 2023, 103 Hyundais were reported stolen. In December of that year, the number of stolen Hyundais dropped to 42, indicating a 60% decrease within the three-month period.

Since then, the number of stolen Hyundais has steadily decreased. In September 2024, a record low of 35 Hyundais were reported stolen, suggesting a 56% decrease since January. However, MCPD said the data does not include reports from the Takoma Park Police Department.

MCPD credits its creation of the Auto Crime Enforcement Section (ACES), which was created early last year to address the issue of auto thefts around the county, with the decrease in thefts.

Through ACES, three-day events were held in May and August to offer anti-theft security software to Hyundai owners free of charge, which police also believe helped bring down the numbers.

“To contribute to our ongoing efforts, please remember to practice safety and lock your cars. If you see something, say something,” MCPD said, in a release.

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