HOLYOKE — Police are warning drivers about a spike in thefts and attempted thefts of Kia and Hyundai cars, fueled by a viral social media challenge.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said in a statement this week that the ploy targets models made between 2010 and 2021 that lack ignition immobilizers, making them easier to steal.

Videos on TikTok and other platforms show how to break into the cars by damaging the steering column and starting the engine without a key. Therefore, these vehicle ignitions can be compromised, he said.

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