Plano police say a Texas teenager was allegedly inspired by the viral TikTok trend when he smashed about 40 cars.
According to Fox 4 Dallas, a 14-year-old boy was caught trying to steal a vehicle in West Plano on July 6. After the homeowner caught him, he was taken into police custody.
Texas officers discovered this wasn’t the young man’s first rodeo, however, and eventually linked him to 38 burglaries and attempted burglaries.
“He was suspected of breaking into 38 cars. Some of them were attempted burglaries, and some of them were actually stolen,” explained Officer Jennifer Chapman of the Plano Police Department.
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The Plano Police Department is actively investigating burglaries and attempted burglaries. (FOX 4 Dallas)
The department cited a recent trend where TikTok users would post how to steal some Hyundai and Kia brand cars. And almost all of the cars the suspect broke into were his.
“Across the country online, we have a trend of young people breaking into these vehicles. Minors are looking online to see how they can see the vehicles, and they’re sharing it with each other just like they would on any other social media platform,” added Chapman.
“If it’s a challenge and people are out there trying to get cars and mine is the one they want, I’m wondering if I should keep a close eye on my car so that doesn’t happen to me,” Plano resident Patty Corsi told FOX 4.
Example of a hot-wired car inspired by a viral online challenge. (Azaela Wilburg/Fox News, File)
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Both Kia and Hyundai released software designed to prevent theft in February, but thieves have so far been able to target certain models during the spring and summer.
In May, automakers Settled a $200 million consumer class action lawsuit. As a result of the TikTok challenge brought against them.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Plano Police Department, Kia and Hyundai for more information, but did not receive a response.
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Kia and Hyundai both released software designed to prevent theft, but criminals still target the cars. (FOX 4 Dallas)
Plano Police are actively investigating this case. There are no additional details on the suspect at this time.
Gary Gastello of Fox News Digital contributed to this story.
Source by [Fox News]
