Police see uptick in car thefts in central Pennsylvania

(WHTM) — Police say there’s been an uptick in car thefts after it’s been on the decline for about a decade.

Although police say they typically do see an uptick in car thefts during the fall and winter seasons.

Police also say social media may have an influence this year.

“All I can say is residents should be vigilant,” said Blake Iorio, with the Lower Paxton Township Police Department. “You start to see a common trend as the weather gets cooler, people start to keep their car unlocked and warm up their vehicles during the colder months, leaving their keys inside. That’s a crime of opportunity. A lot of people take that and steal cars at that time.”

Iorio tells abc27 News, there’s currently, “about 24 to 30 stolen vehicles,” in Lower Paxton Township.

He also says there’s a social media challenge that may have something to do with the increase too.

“A lot of people will see the Tik Tok challenge called the ‘Kia Boys’ or ‘Kia Hyundai Thefts’ and basically exploits a specific vulnerability in those car manufacturers, allowing criminals to basically steal cars easily without access to keys here,” Iorio added “And they have both put out public service announcements as well as recalls.”

Iorio says it is important the community helps in the car theft crime fighting effort, “If you see anything, no matter how small it is, you need to report it to the police.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.